SPEAKER’S MACE LANDS MUNIR IN TROUBLE

By OLIVER SAMBOKO

PARLIAMENT yesterday suspended outspoken Lumezi Independent Member of Parliament Munir Zulu for 10 days for running commentaries and threatening violence against Sergeant-At-Arms Florence Mwanamakwa during parliamentary business.

Mr Zulu also said there was a lot of stupidity at Parliament and said he was going to fight on.

Mr Zulu’s suspension follows a point of order raised by Katombola member of Parliament Clement Andeleki related to an incident that  occurred in Parliament recently where the Lumezi law maker was running commentaries stating that the sergeant at arms and chief security officer needed enough security to handle him.

He is alleged to have also threatened to grab the Speaker’s mace from Ms Mwanamakwa, who is National Assembly of Zambia chief security officer and sergeant at arms during an altercation in Parliament.

According to the ruling by the Speaker, Nelly Mutti, Mr. Zulu will during the suspension not be allowed to enter Parliament building and the parliamentary motel and also miss his  allowances.

Ms Mutti said the threats by Mr Zulu to grab her mace was unacceptable considering that marks her symbol of authority.

The suspension is with effect from yesterday to  August 5, 2022, and during  which period, Mr Zulu will not be allowed to undertake any activity as a member of Parliament in his constituency or elsewhere in accordance with section 2B(2) of the National Assembly powers and privileges.

The Speaker  said several witnesses testified against Mr Zulu and that she was convinced that indeed the law maker was in breach of rules of the house.

 Ms Mutti also said despite pleas, Mr Zulu showed no remorse for his actions on the floor of the  house.

She said that National Assembly of Zambia standing orders of 2021, are instructive that at all times that members of Parliament should conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity and decorum of the House.