BY BLAIR MHONE
The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been advised to stop dragging the august House and Speaker of The National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara into their petty party infighting.
Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda has made the observation after the erstwhile ruling party’s spokesperson and Member of Parliament for Mangochi South West, Shadreck Namalomba obtained a stay order restraining the speaker from recognizing decisions implemented by the leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa without written approval of the party.
‘’It is clearly a political issue and the question that I have is that how would a political party involve the court on things that look purely political in nature.
“And the other thing I tend to wonder is why the Speaker of the National Assembly can be dragged in bedroom issues of a political party,” said Nyirenda.
Nyirenda however added that he will have to study the notice to appreciate the basis of the order and get instructions from the Speaker on whether or not to challenge it.
The notice by Namalomba follows the controversial shadow cabinet formed by Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa which has met the party’s wrath as the leadership says it was not consulted and did not sanction.
The shadow cabinet formation has also seen the party being involved in public squabbles both in Parliament and in the media.
Meanwhile, Parliament Spokesperson, Ian Mwenye has said the house cannot be served with a court order when it is sitting.
He referred to Section 5 of the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act which states that no process issued by any court, shall be served or executed within the confines of the Assembly while the house is sitting.
