Banda slams Bill 10 falsehoods

CERTAIN people are entrenched to certain positions that is why they are misleading Zambians on bill 10 of 2019, Forum Democracy and Development (FDD) has said.

And Justice Minister Given Lubinda said under no circumstances would Bill number 10 of 2019 be withdrawn from parliament.

Mr Chifumu Banda who is the FDD vice president advised stakeholders to restrain themselves from being entrenched to positions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

He said during on Millennium radio programme yesterday, it was wrong for people to take sides on issues that benefit the nation.

Mr Banda said there was a lot of misinformation especially from those who were taking sides which should not be the case.

“We need to stop peddling falsehoods about this bill, finger pointing is retrogressive. As Zambians we need to have the spirit of give and take, we should not always be against even in issues which will better the nation," Mr Banda said.

Mr Banda said the bill was progressive because all the contentious provisions had been removed.

He argued that the bill cannot be thrown away as proposed by some stakeholders because once signed into law, it would help in improving the governance system.

"For instance the Parliamentary Select Committee did agree with proposes from stakeholders.

The issue of retirees, introduction of deputy ministers, the electoral system and others which were perceived to be contentious have been addressed," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Lubinda said it was Government’s intention to see to it that Bill number 10 was debated upon in parliament by Members of Parliament.

He told journalists at a press briefing yesterday that although the public did not make any submissions on certain clauses, Parliament would still discuss them

Mr Lubinda said he was disappointed with some opponents of bill 10 who were threatening those who want the bill to pass.

He said the level of anger and intolerance being exhibited by some stakeholders concerning Bill 10 was uncalled for and should not be entertained by Zambians.

Mr Lubinda explained that according to the standing order number 103 the National Assembly would proceed to debate Bill 10 and also take into consideration the recommendations of the select committee as they were discussed.

He said Government was happy with some individuals who were striving to help others understand the content.