Speaker reserves ruling on Nakacinda seat location
SPEAKER of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has reserved ruling on a point of order seeking clarification on the location of sitting in the House of nominated Member of Parliament, MMD national secretary Raphael Nakacinda.
The point of order was raised by UPND Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who wanted the Speaker to rule over Mr Nakacinda who had not crossed the floor.
Mr Mwiimbu, who is also leader of the opposition in the House, said Mr Nakacinda was immediately supposed to cross the floor to the ruling party side upon being nominated by President Edgar Lungu.
He said by continuing to sit on the opposition side of the House, Mr Nakacinda was still opposing government.
“Mr Speaker tagging on the very elaborate ruling you made in the case of Chishimba Kambwili last week, I would like to pitch your thoughts pertaining to this issue, Mr Speaker I am aware that the President of the Republic of Zambia using this particular provision and nominated Hon Nakacinda to this House based on Article 69, 1, 2, 3 from the national Constitution of Zambia. And now we have Hon Nakacinda as an opposition member in this House contrary to the spirit, presidency and the pronouncements of the House, therefore, was Hon Nakacinda in order to be in the House as an opposition member and nominated to oppose government by remaining on the opposite side instead of on the ruling side?” Mr Mwiimbu asked.
In response, the Speaker said he would not rule on an ex-tempo basis, but needed to study the matter.
“Clearly I cannot rule on an ex-tempo basis, I need to study this matter and, therefore, I reserve my ruling,” the Speaker said.