Hichilema’s fight against corruption elucidates the perverse cycle described by Jason’s Law that entities that once vociferously condemned corruption become engulfed in the very practices they decried once they attain power.
By Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa
Lusaka, July 14 – The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has disclosed alarming figures in its recent report, revealing several red flags in government transactions that exemplify the persistent issue of corruption in Zambia. In the realm of African politics, a disturbing phenomenon continues to mar the fight against corruption. This troubling pattern, often referred to as Jason’s Law of Corruption, illustrates how opposition parties’ crusades against corruption frequently prove to be mere mirages once they assume power.
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It is not just the fading promises and empty rhetoric that define this illusion; those in power often shift their priorities and weaponize the system to target political opponents on baseless charges while enriching themselves.
Recent revelations in Zambia provide a vivid illustration of Jason’s Law at work. The United Party for National Development (UPND), while in opposition, positioned themselves as staunch adversaries of corruption, vowing to uproot this malicious force that had plagued the nation. Their campaign speeches resonated with those weary of corruption’s corrosive effects, offering a glimmer of hope for change. However, once the UPND assumed office, a different reality came to light.
The FIC report has disclosed a particularly alarming instance of suspected corruption under the “New Dawn” administration. According to the report, a company registered in February of last year opened a local bank account by April. In a rapid succession of events, this company was awarded a contract worth an eye-watering US$21 million (K532,802,340.00) by a government institution in June.
By August, the company had received an advance payment of US$5.6 million (K142,080,624.00). A status check in December revealed a striking reality: the company had not delivered anything despite receiving the substantial advance payment. This shocking episode mirrors familiar patterns of corruption previously decried by the UPND.
The irony is inescapable. President Hakainde Hichilema had previously accused the Patriotic Front (PF) of “supplying air”- a euphemism for delivering nothing of value while siphoning public funds. Yet, under his watch, the same accusation can now be leveled against his own administration.
This elucidates the perverse cycle described by Jason’s Law: the entities that once vociferously condemned corruption become engulfed in the very practices they decried once they attain power.
Rather than staying true to their promises, the UPND swiftly shifted their priorities. Instead of prioritizing the fight against corruption, they focused their attention on stifling political opponents. Masked as a pursuit of justice, they concocted flimsy charges against their rivals, using the legal system as a tool for oppression. The once-respected names in the Opposition were now tarnished; their voices silenced through unfair arrests and legal persecution.
Meanwhile, those in power shamelessly pursued their own enrichment. The very individuals who once claimed to be champions of integrity and transparency saw an opportunity to profit. Corruption, in its most insidious forms, manifested within their ranks. Public funds meant to uplift the nation were siphoned off into personal accounts, luxurious lifestyles were adopted, and the gap between the politicians and the people they were elected to serve grew wider with each ill-gotten gain.
The betrayal felt by ordinary citizens is palpable. They had placed their trust in these leaders, believing that change was possible, that justice would be served. Instead, they are confronted with a bitter reality – the Opposition’s fight against corruption was merely a means to gain power, with no intention of upholding the values and principles they so vehemently touted.
In the face of such disillusionment, it falls upon the people to remain vigilant. We must not be swayed by empty rhetoric or superficial promises. Instead, we must demand true accountability from those who seek to govern us. Jason’s Law of Corruption teaches us that proximity to power often corrupts, and that the fight against corruption should not be a vehicle for personal gain.
Future FIC reports must include more case studies, especially those concerning current government transactions. This will help the public put pressure on the government to improve accountability. Otherwise, we may suspect the reports are being doctored to drive a certain narrative.
Ultimately, change can only come when politicians uphold their promises and remain true to the values they espouse, even in the face of temptation. Let us not forget the true purpose of the fight against corruption—to build a society where justice prevails, where the people’s trust is respected, and where leaders represent the noble aspirations of their citizens rather than exploiting them for personal gain.
In the face of this mirage of opposition, let us strive for genuine change and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Only then can we break free from the cycle of betrayal and disillusionment that has plagued African politics for far too long.
About The Author: Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa is a respected academician, a former Vice Chancellor, a politician and revolutionary writer.
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