SAKWIBA BACKS BILL 10

…with parliamentary select committee amendments

THE Constitution amendment bill number 10 of 2019 with amendments as recommended by the Parliamentary Select Committee is progressive and should be supported by all Zambians, Prominent Lusaka Lawyer Sakwiba Sikota has said. Mr Sikota said it was important for members of Parliament especially those from the opposition to take keen interest in the content of the bill as opposed to rejecting the document in totality. Mr Sikota said the bill is progressive especially with amendments proposed by the Parliamentary select Committee. “I have taken time to study the document and I must say it is very progressive taking into consideration recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee, “Mr Sikota said. He said there was need for all stakeholders to look at the bill without taking political sides. Mr Sikota said Members of Parliament are expected to put their partisan interests aside and debate the bill. Mr Sikota said opposition Members of Parliament should desist from walking away from parliament and debate the bill. “The issue of constitutional amendment is not a partisan issue therefore we expect MPs both from the ruling and opposition to look at the bill and debate objectively,” he said. “We all know that our constitution needs refining and this calls for everyone to put partisan interests aside,” Mr Sikota said. Mr Sikota said constitution making is an important understanding that should not be politicised. “I would like to appeal to our colleagues in the UPND to take time and debate the content unlike rejecting the document in totality,” Mr Sikota said.

Mr Sikota