SEAN TEMBO’S UKUPONOKA LAWSUIT FRIVOLOUS, KABESHA
Sean Tembo’s ukuponoka lawsuit frivolous, Kabesha ATTORNEY General, Mulilo Kabesha, has described the petition by Sean Tembo challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s use of the “ukuponoka”stunt, as frivolous and vexatious.
Mr Kabesha, SC, has thus, raised Preliminary Issues on whether the petition raises any constitutional issue which falls for determination under the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court.
And whether discloses a cause of action which entitles Mr Tembo the reliefs sought.
In this matter, Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president, Mr Tembo, petition the Constitutional Court over the President’s alleged habitual use of insulting language.
He wants the Court’s declaration that Mr Hichilema’s use of the Bemba word “ukuponoka” which the Petitioner claims means “pulling the foreskin of the manhood backwards” when translated into English lacks decency, respect for the people of Zambia, respect for the diversity of different communities including the Bemba speaking people of Northern.
He said the use of the said word contravenes Articles 91(3(a), 91(3) (d) and 91(3) (f) of the Constitution of Zambia.
And another declaration that the use of the same word violates professional ethics and integrity and contravenes Article 173(1(a) of the Constitution of Zambia.
But the Attorney General, Mr Kabesha I’m response to the petition contended that Mr Hichilema had not in any way contravened the constitution as alleged by the Petitioner.
“The respondent avers from inception and in the main that this petition is prima facie a frivolous, vexatious and does not disclose a cause of action,” he submitted.
Mr Kabesha urged the court to dismiss the matter and focus it’s time on what he termed as “deserving matters”.