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Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has alleged that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, intends to suspend some Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament (MP).
This, he claimed, was part of the scheme to frustrate the MPs and pass the 2024 budget easily.
Mundubile claimed that several MPs had been handed with exculpatory letters on what had been described as gross misconduct by Mutti’s staff.
The Mporokoso Constituency PF Member of Parliament said this at a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday.
“This was part of a scheme to expel Members of Parliament and reduce on the number of lawmakers in the National Assembly so that the budget is easily passed including other laws,” he said
Mundubile described the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration as despotic government which had failed to observe the rule of law despite several promises to uphold it.
He alleged that two UPND MPs namely, Mubita Anakoka, for Luena and Clement Andeleki for Katombola are on standby to get instructions from the Executive on raising points of order in the house which already have a ruling from the Speaker and are leading to MPs getting such letters.
“We have a governance system where the presiding officers can intimidate Members of Parliament into submission but that will never happen. I have made it clear to presiding officer, we will be suspended as many times as possible”
Mundubile alleged that this was also part of the scheme to bring to Parliament the Constitution for amendment in which President Hakainde Hichilema wants to extend the President’s term of office to seven years.
He claimed that Hichilema intended to remove certain Clauses from the Constitution to favour himself and his party and these included the 50 plus 1, running mate, among others.
Mundubile further maintained that he was still Leader of Opposition in Parliament on the ground that he was elected by his fellow MPs from the opposition in accordance with Article 74(2) of the Zambian Constitution.
“Madam Nelly Mutti participated in an illegality, I will start with Hichilema who has powers under Article 74(1) to appoint Leader of Business in the House.
Under Article 74(2) the opposition with the largest Members of Parliament shall elect among themselves Leader of Opposition in Parliament,” he said.
Mundubile said Hichilema was in breach of the Constitution by appointing Mafinga Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga, as Leader of Opposition in Parliament using PF Matero lawmaker Miles Sampa.
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