There was serious commotion in the Zambian parliament on Thursday which led to members of the Patriotic Front (PF) and allied lawmakers staging a walkout, citing their grievances over inadequate debate time allocated by Deputy Parliamentary Speaker, Atractor Chisangano.
The dispute reared its head after Chisangano allegedly failed to grant sufficient time for discussing corruption allegations implicating senior government officials.
The MP representing Lunte, Brian Mundubile, who led the walkout, reportedly expressed frustration, emphasizing that crucial issues like corruption deserved more attention.
“The Speaker was expected to allocate at least an hour to debate these unprecedented corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. It’s unacceptable that such serious matters are sidelined,” Mundubile lamented.
He further highlighted concerns over the reported theft of medical kits and medicines, calling for accountability and swift action against implicated government figures.
“Ministers and senior officials facing serious allegations should either be dismissed, resign, or face legal consequences,” Mundubile asserted.
The walkout saw participation from notable figures including Kampamba Mulenga of Kalulushi, Nickson Chilangwa of Kawambwa, Mutotwe Kafawaya representing Lunte, and Munir Zulu, an Independent MP from Lumezi.
Mundubile who addressed journalists later, criticised what he perceived as a disparity in parliamentary priorities.
“When less critical issues are on the agenda, ample time is allocated. But when it comes to tackling corruption, our opportunities are curtailed,” he said
He recalled past practices under the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, where opposition parties were vocal against corruption, and called for similar decisive action from the current government.
“Theft of medical kits and medicines should not go unpunished.
“It’s imperative that those implicated in ‘Medicine Gate’ are held accountable through appropriate legal measures.”