By SIMON MUNTEMBA
THE entire PF Members of Parliament are in support of the interim top leadership led by Given Lubinda and there are no glitches at all, PF Chief Whip, Stephen Kampyongo has said.
And Mr Kampyongo said just like in a soccer team, rebranding of PF did not require to get rid of all the senior party members that were at the helm prior to the August 12 2021 General Elections.
In an interview, Mr Kampyongo said contrary to the perception created that the former ruling party’s MPs snubbed the meeting called by PF acting president Given Lubinda, those that did not attend were outside Lusaka while others were attending funerals of party members.
He explained that on that material day, Mandevu MP, Christopher Shakafuswa had a bereavement and the leader of the opposition, Brian Mundubile had a funeral in the family which several of the PF members went to attend.
“The MPs that did not attend rendered apologies because they were unable to attend at that short notice as some where in their constituencies outside Lusaka except those attending parliamentary committees, while others went to attend funerals and we accepted their apologies. But trying to create an impression that the members snubbed the meeting is wrong,” Mr Kampyongo said.
He said there was nothing wrong with Mr Lubinda and acting PF Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa express their displeasure for low turnout of MPs before knowing the reason.
Mr Kampyongo said the matter was resolved after he gave an explanation as the party Whip who was given instructions to invite all MPs.
“We have agreed that we shall schedule another meeting when parliament resumes because everyone will be available and it is easy that way,” he disclosed.
On Kantanshi MP, Dr Anthony Mumba’s remarks that rebranding in the PF would have no meaning if the same people who were at the helm prior to the August 12 2021 General are brought back, Mr Kampyongo said “rebranding doesn’t always mean completely getting rid of old players.”
He said some senior party members that were at the helm prior to the August 12 election were still useful just like old players in a soccer team.
Mr Kampyongo also said it was politically wrong for Dr Mumba to think that those who lost election should not be part of the central committee.
