Maravi

Mpombo’s entry into Parliament attracts attention

Mpombo’s entry into Parliament attracts attention
Written by Ernest Chanda
Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:02:56 AM

KAFULAFUTA MMD member of parliament George Mpombo's entry into Parliament to take up the back bench on Tuesday interrupted debate for a while as it attracted the attention of his fellow parliamentarians.

Mpombo, who was the country's defence minister until his resignation last week, walked into the House quietly at about 14:57 hours with a folder in his hands.

Upon seeing him almost all opposition members started shouting "ya, ya, uli mwaume [you are a real man]", with the majority of them waving at him and calling him a principled politician.

This alerted other members including some from the executive's side and they joined in the applause.

Mpombo went straight to Chongwe MMD member of parliament Sylvia Masebo and the two embraced.

He later left Masebo to share a seat with Chiengi MMD member of parliament and the ruling party's national secretary, Katele Kalumba.

As the two embraced and later shook hands, the action sent the House into more frenzy as there were more shouts of "ya, ya, ya" from other parliamentarians.

Others were shouting "bamwisho, bamwisho", a Lamba expression for colleague.

It took deputy speaker Mutale Nalumango to caution members of parliament against making too much noise and reminded them to be serious with the business of the House.

Earlier, transport and communications minister Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa told Parliament that about K1.2 trillion was needed to recapitalise Zamtel.

This was in response to a question for oral answer from Chipili Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Davis Mwila.

Prof Lungwangwa said the amount would be injected into various activities in the company, including infrastructure improvement and working capital.

Asked when the government would find an equity partner for Zamtel, Prof Lungwangwa said the issue was still under consideration.

Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MPs, PARLIAMENT

posted by MrK @ 4:02 AM