News / Education
Mugabe attacked over Zaoga university
21 Mar 2016 at 06:58hrs | Views
Lawyers have attacked President Robert Mugabe for officiating at the controversial Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (Zegu) in Bindura on Friday.
The Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) run university is embroiled in a court battle over the land in which it is built.
Mugabe offered the church more land for expansion for free and "wrote off" the $2 million the educational institution owes to Bindura Municipality.
Lawyer and MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said Mugabe's decision to officiate at a university with a pending court case had shown his disregard for the rule of law.
"It just shows utter contempt and disregard for the courts and legal systems in the country by Mugabe and his regime. In fact, this is another form of exerting undue executive and political pressure on the judiciary. It's very sad," he said.
"Remember, there could also be some family sentiments in the mix here since Mugabe's son-in-law is a member of Ezekiel Guti's church. The MDC-T is a God-fearing political party and, in fact, we hold Apostle Ezekiel Guti and his church in very high regard.
"Be that as it may, we are also ardent believers in the rule of law and respect for court orders. Disrespect for the rule of law and court orders is at the very root of founding a dictatorship."
Human rights lawyer, Prayers Chitsa said Mugabe was not supposed to take sides in the dispute, particularly since the matter was before the courts, as this had the effect of subverting justice.
The Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) run university is embroiled in a court battle over the land in which it is built.
Mugabe offered the church more land for expansion for free and "wrote off" the $2 million the educational institution owes to Bindura Municipality.
Lawyer and MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said Mugabe's decision to officiate at a university with a pending court case had shown his disregard for the rule of law.
"It just shows utter contempt and disregard for the courts and legal systems in the country by Mugabe and his regime. In fact, this is another form of exerting undue executive and political pressure on the judiciary. It's very sad," he said.
"Remember, there could also be some family sentiments in the mix here since Mugabe's son-in-law is a member of Ezekiel Guti's church. The MDC-T is a God-fearing political party and, in fact, we hold Apostle Ezekiel Guti and his church in very high regard.
"Be that as it may, we are also ardent believers in the rule of law and respect for court orders. Disrespect for the rule of law and court orders is at the very root of founding a dictatorship."
Human rights lawyer, Prayers Chitsa said Mugabe was not supposed to take sides in the dispute, particularly since the matter was before the courts, as this had the effect of subverting justice.
Source - NewsDay
