THE POSITIONS OF DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM DO NOT EXIST IN LAW

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The legal advisers of the President should be frank to tell him that the position of deputy minister of foreign affairs and tourism and culture do not exist in law. One could search all the provisions of the Constitution and all Acts enacted and would not find any provision dealing with the role of these deputy ministers.

It is therefore very strange that the President has appointed deputy ministers for these two ministries. One wonders how they are going to be paid when the National Assembly had not approved any estimate for such posts.

The legal way to go is by way of constitutional amendments to create the post of deputy minister and make provisions for its functions within the executive and cabinet setting.

The principle of the rule of law holds that whatever is done by the executive must be prescribed by the constitution or an act enacted by the legislature.

We hope the executive will take note that executive orders which are not based on law have no legal foundation.