PF TO CHALLENGE SPEAKER

WE will challenge the unconstitutional decision by the Speaker of the National Assembly to suspend our 30 Members of Parliament, the Patriotic Front has said.

Lukashya MP, George Chisanga described the 30 days ban of 30 PF MPs as unconstitutional.

Mr Chisanga, who is former Law Association of Zambia president said the party will challenge the Speaker’s ruling in court.

“This is a constitutional crisis, not only for PF but democracy in the country. It is a dark day for the constitution and democracy because you cannot punish the people who are defending the constitution.

“And we have deliberated as PF MPs that we are going to take legal action to challenge the decision that was made by the Speaker in court. We believe if we leave it like that posterity will not judge us fairly,” Mr Chisanga said.

Leader of the opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, said they will not apologise for defending the constitution.

Mr Mundubile said it was sad that the Speaker decided to suspend the 30 PF MPs when the Zambians were looking forward to hearing the President’s speech to Parliament last week.

 “We will not apologise for defending the constitution and the rights of the Zambian people,” Mr Mundubile said.

PF Parliamentary Chief Whip. Stephen Kampyongo. said Zambians must be worried about democracy which was at crossroads and not PF MPs.

Mr Kampyongo however said as elected MPs, they will continue defending the constitution and democracy in the country.

Meanwhile, PF acting president Given Lubinda has urged the suspended MPs not to be discouraged because what they did was the right thing.

“Stand tall, walk with your shoulders high because there is nothing more important in your calling than defending the constitution.

“The walk you took from Parliament today was of honour and not shame because you stood  to defend the constitution,” Mr Lubinda said.