LUBINDA DEMANDS CLARITY OVER RENEWED SUMMONS TO ARCHBISHOP BANDA FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda has demanded clarity from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) over its renewed summons issued to Archbishop Alick Banda, saying the public deserves to know what the investigation concerns. Lubinda said although no citizen was above the law, everyone […]

LUBINDA DEMANDS CLARITY OVER RENEWED SUMMONS TO ARCHBISHOP BANDA

FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda has demanded clarity from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) over its renewed summons issued to Archbishop Alick Banda, saying the public deserves to know what the investigation concerns.

Lubinda said although no citizen was above the law, everyone was entitled to the protection of the law and due process.

He said Archbishop Banda had indicated that he was ready to appear before the DEC and respond to the summons through lawful channels.

He, however, questioned why the DEC had not disclosed the subject of the renewed summons, particularly after an earlier matter involving the Archbishop and a motor vehicle.

“What is particularly concerning at this moment is that the public has not been told what this renewed summons concerns,” he said.

Lubinda said if the earlier investigations had been concluded, the DEC should provide appropriate clarification, while if they were still ongoing, authorities should explain the basis for the renewed summons within the limits of the law.

He warned that the uncertainty surrounding the matter could fuel speculation and political accusations.

“That uncertainty should not become an excuse for speculation, political accusations or public condemnation,” Lubinda said.

He said Archbishop Banda’s position as a senior religious leader should not prevent him from exercising his civic responsibility by speaking on national issues.

“The right of a Church leader to speak on public affairs must not depend on whether those in authority agree with what he says,” he said.

Lubinda called on the DEC to conduct the matter professionally, fairly and impartially, while urging relevant oversight institutions to ensure that the Archbishop’s rights were protected.

“This is not a demand for anyone to be above investigation,” he said.

Lubinda said the issue was about ensuring that investigations were conducted lawfully and transparently, without intimidation.

“The Archbishop will appear. The DEC should do its lawful work,” he said.

He further appealed to citizens and political leaders to remain peaceful as the matter proceeded.

“Let the facts come into the open. Let due process prevail,” Lubinda said.

Hon. Given Lubinda shared
PRESS

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE RENEWED SUMMONS OF ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA
BY GIVEN LUBINDA
LUSAKA — 27 SEPTEMBER 2026

I have noted with deep concern the renewed summons issued to His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission.
Let me be clear from the outset: no citizen, however prominent, is above the law. But equally, no citizen, however insignificant, is beneath the protection of the law.

Recognising and respecting this principle, Archbishop Banda has indicated his readiness to respond to the summons through the lawful process. The responsibility of the DEC is equally clear: it must act professionally, fairly, impartially and without intimidation.

What is particularly concerning at this moment is that the public has not been told what this renewed summons concerns. The earlier DEC matter in January involved investigations relating to a motor vehicle, and the Commission indicated that those investigations were continuing. The present summons has not publicly been linked to that matter, nor has its subject been disclosed.

This naturally raises a legitimate public question: after nearly nine months, have those investigations been concluded? If they have, the public and Archbishop Banda are entitled to appropriate clarification. If they have not, the authorities should explain, within the limits of an ongoing investigation, the basis for this renewed summons.

That uncertainty should not become an excuse for speculation, political accusations or public condemnation.
But it should also not become an excuse for silence.

Archbishop Banda is not merely an individual citizen. He is a senior religious leader who has exercised his moral and civic responsibility to speak about matters affecting the welfare, dignity and future of our nation. The right of a Church leader to speak on public affairs must not depend on whether those in authority agree with what he says.
Members of the Catholic laity and political lead