Nankhumwa condemns Chihana for demeaning Chilima in Parliament

Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa has condemned remarks made by Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Member of Parliament for Mzimba North Yeremiah Chihana attacking the country’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima.

Chihana told parliament that Chilima (who was also in Parliament to take questions) is underperforming because of Secretary to the President, Zangazanga Chikhosi who must be fired.

“Zangazanga Chikhosi is overshadowing the Vice President Saulos Chilima. He is too powerful and in control of the civil service where Chilima is supposed to implement the public sector reforms, ” said Chihana.

He cited the firing of Principal Secretaries which was done by Chikhose instead of Chilima who is responsible for public reforms.

His statement did not go down well with First Deputy Speaker who ordered the MP to leave the House saying his statement reflects at the Vice President which is against the standing orders of Parliament.

Reacting to the development Nankhumwa accused Chihana of improper conducted and saluted the Deputy Speaker for ordering him out of Parliament.

Nankhumwa then said there is a need for proper guidance on how Parliament should conduct its business when the vice president is in Parliament.

Agreeing with Nankhumwa’s remarks, leader of the House in Parliament Richard Chimwendo Banda said Chihana deserved to be kicked out of Parliament because he disrespected the first deputy speaker Madaliso Kazombo on three occasions.

He further said that it’s the first time the vice president has made himself available for questions and there is need to value his presence.

Meanwhile Chihana will first appear before disciplinary committee over the matter.