Maravi

PF leaders to meet 7 'rebel' MPs

PF leaders to meet 7 'rebel' MPs
By Patson Chilemba
Monday August 11, 2008 [04:00]

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata has said the party leadership is ready to accept the apology of seven of the 26 members of parliament participating in the National Constitutional Conference (NCC). In an interview, Sata said the party had received appeals from chiefs, party officials and the Church to forgive seven members of parliament namely Anson Simama Kalulushi, Christopher Mulenga Chinsali, Lazarous Chota Lubansenshi, Obius Chisala Chilubi, Dr Bernard Chisha Pambashe, Samuel Chitonge Mwansabombwe and Jacob Chongo Mwense.

"We have received petitions on their behalf and we are to meet them and after that I can recommend to the central committee to forgive them," said Sata.

PF spokesperson Given Lubinda said the party was willing to forgive the seven members of parliament if they availed themselves to the party leadership.

"And those names, you will remember that none of them has even been cited for saying anything inimical against the party. They have gone about their Parliament and NCC work without injuring the party in any way. And you know, we are also aware of the fact that not all people who went to NCC made voluntary conscious decisions," Lubinda said. "Therefore, it will be unfair for us to treat everybody equally. Others might have gone to the NCC blindfolded. Since you have already been given the names, what we are waiting for is for those individuals to come to the party."

When contacted for comment, some members of parliament said they were ready to meet and dialogue with the party leadership.

One of the members of parliament, Chota said he was ready to engage party leaders to resolve matters.
He said the fact that he had not withdrawn the K300,000 monthly contribution to the party was an indication that he was ready for dialogue.

Asked if he would meet the party leadership as suggested by Sata and Lubinda, Chota said: "I personally would engage anyone if we are talking on the enhancement of sustainability in the party. Like I have told you, the party has got structures and those should be followed and anyone fighting the party I urge them to stop."
Chitonge said he had always remained true to PF.

He said even when he went to NCC, he continued visiting the party secretariat and never withdrew the monthly contributions.

"I always visit the party secretariat, in fact I even call the president. In fact, I was supposed to see him even today only that I am doing something," said Chitonge.
Simama refused to comment on the matter because he had not been communicated to by the party leadership.

Chongo said the party should extend forgiveness to all the 26 members of parliament and not just the seven.

Labels: PF, SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:16 AM