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Members of the Patriotic Front (PF) and allied lawmakers staged a walkout from Parliament on Thursday, citing grievances over inadequate debate time allocated by Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Atractor Chisangano.
The dispute arose from the Speaker’s alleged failure to grant sufficient time for discussing corruption allegations implicating senior government officials.
Lunte lawmaker Brian Mundubile, leading the walkout, expressed frustration, emphasizing that crucial issues like corruption deserved more attention.
“The Speaker was expected to allocate at least an hour to debate these unprecedented corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. It’s unacceptable that such serious matters are sidelined,” Mundubile lamented.
He highlighted concerns over the reported theft of medical kits and medicines, calling for accountability and swift action against implicated government figures.
“Ministers and senior officials facing serious allegations should either be dismissed, resign, or face legal consequences,” Mundubile asserted.
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The walkout saw participation from notable figures including Kampamba Mulenga of Kalulushi, Nickson Chilangwa of Kawambwa, Mutotwe Kafawaya representing Lunte, and Munir Zulu, an Independent MP from Lumezi.
Mundubile criticised what he perceived as a disparity in parliamentary priorities, noting, “When less critical issues are on the agenda, ample time is allocated. But when it comes to tackling corruption, our opportunities are curtailed.”
He recalled past practices under the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, where opposition parties were vocal against corruption, and called for similar decisive action from the current government.
“Theft of medical kits and medicines should not go unpunished,” Mundubile reiterated.
“It’s imperative that those implicated in ‘Medicine Gate’ are held accountable through appropriate legal measures.”
In response to the walkout, Chisangano defended the parliamentary procedures, stressing the need for balanced debate time across all issues on the agenda.
She assured MPs that all matters of national importance, including corruption allegations, would be addressed according to parliamentary rules and procedures.
The walkout highlighted ongoing tensions within Parliament regarding procedural fairness and the handling of corruption allegations against government officials.
It underscored growing discontent among lawmakers over perceived limitations in their ability to address critical national issues effectively.
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