Molokomme rebuffs Saleshando inquiry
Oarabile Mosikare | Tuesday May 6, 2014 15:51
Molokomme told Saleshando that she was “constrained to respond substantively to questions” the latter “raised in a letter as it could compromise the position of government in the event of possible litigation”.
Molokomme was responding to Saleshando’s letter dated April 4, 2014 in which he wanted clarification on the recent cabinet appointments, reshuffle and the legal consequences. In the letter Saleshando had indicated in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition that he wished Molokomme to provide answers to certain questions of a legal nature.
“In the same letter, you also make assertions and take positions with respect to the legal position on the questions you pose. Even before I received the letter, I became aware that the letter and its contents were already in the public domain. Moreover, the media has reported that you have communicated with them on these issues in your capacity as president of the Botswana Congress Party. It is further alleged that you are considering legal action on these issues,” wrote Molokomme in a letter dated April 24.
Last month the BCP announced that it intended to sue President Ian Khama over his recent cabinet reshuffle and his decision to revise the pension for former vice president Mompati Merafhe without the knowledge of Parliament.
Saleshando wrote the letter to Molokomme to explain the controversial reshuffle and whether Khama is empowered to make laws on pensions for selected political officers without authority from Parliament.
The letter follows the decision by the President to grant leave of absence to former Minister of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi and her redeployment to the same ministry to head a special assignment.
In her place Mokgweetsi Masisi has been appointed acting Minister of Education and Skills Development.
Reached for comment yesterday, Saleshando said his party would make a statement this week.