We respect the eligibility judgement, Lungu can now rest as a statesman - Mweetwa

CHIEF Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says government has respected the outcome of today’s judgement on former President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility case.

This morning, the Constitutional Court ruled that Lungu was not eligible to contest for presidency in the future as he was sworn in twice to serve as president.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mweetwa said government was not in any way going to interpret the judgement rendered today adding that those who were aggrieved should talk to the court.

He noted that today’s outcome has ended years of active speculation and arguments by citizens and lawyers.

Mweetwa believes that the judgement serves as a reminder to all public servants that the law will eventually hold them accountable for their wrongs.

“This government is a government of laws and has respect for the rule of law as it is a cornerstone for political, economic and national security,” said Mweetwa.

“It’s time for Lungu to take up and assume his rightful place and space as a statesman. Government respects the judgement and the law will apply in ensuring that the judgement is respected. They may disagree with the judgement but they may not disagree with the position of the law.”

He urged the other camp to understand the judgement as the UPND had instances too where the law could not be in their favour and still chose to understand that the law could not be challenged.

“We understand their frustrations and we have also gone to court before and sometimes we didn’t get what we wanted and we eventually get to understand that we cannot challenge the law,” he added.

Meanwhile Mweetwa stressed that President Hakainde Hichilema had no hand in influencing the outcome of the case.