Munir rattles Veep with assassination claims of Induna Inete

MUNIR Zulu, the Lumezi Independent MP yesterday rattled the usually calm and composed Vice President Mutale Nalumango, when he alleged that a traditional leader, an induna in Western Province was a case of assassination by the dreaded Linyungandambo group.

Induna Inete, Akapelwa Silumbu was shot dead some three days ago at his home.

Rising on a matter of urgent public importance, Mr Zulu asked the Vice President why there had been a death on a grouping called Linyungandambo when the Umodzi Kum'mawa and the Kola Foundation, groupings which the UPND had condemned, no life was lost.

Second Deputy Speaker Malungo Chisangano admitted Mr Zulu's question.

In response, Ms Nalumango challenged Mr Zulu if he had evidence on the allegations he had brought before Parliament.

Ms Nalumango, who is usually jovial and calm, said it was not right to bring allegations before Parliament.

She said police were investigating the matter. “I am talking to all of us in here. Bring facts. Police are investigating this matter,” Ms Nalumango said.

Meanwhile, Mulenga Fube, the PF Chilubi MP has written a complaint letter to the Speaker, Ms Nelly Mutti over how business was transacted in Parliament.

Mr Fube cited standing order 202 (5) which stated that a member who felt that his or her privilege had been violated could write to the Speaker.

He said the way questions for oral answer was being handled deprived opposition MPs to effectively and efficiently represent their constituencies.

"The current practice which your office has introduced, which is not backed by anything written in what guides us, does not resonate with articles 61, 62 and 63 of the Constitution," Mr Fube said.

He said MPs were supposed to strengthen the tenets of a representative democracy.

Mr Fube also said matters of urgent public importance raised by opposition and independent MPs were not admitted while those from UPND MPs were allowed on the floor of the House.

His other ground of complaint was that disciplinary matters whereby opposition MPs were suspended before being subjected to the Privileges Committee for a hearing.

"We are pronounced guilty before we are heard and only await punishment. I have been suspended twice under your leadership without being subjected to any form of hearing in accordance to rules of natural justice," Mr Fube said.

He said Ms Mutti had continued to mete extreme punitive measures on opposition MPs while wrongs committed by UPND MPs were ignored.

Mr Fube also said Parliament, under Ms Mutti had contributed to the constitutional disorder by choosing to be driven by partisan politics as opposed to following the Constitution.

He said Ms Mutti had further gagged opposition MPs.