Matibini urges MPs to take advantage of POA reform

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has noted the dire need for definite measures to be taken in the context of the ongoing reform of the Public Order Act to ensure that Members of Parliament are able to execute their representative functions properly, efficiently and effectively.

In a ruling on a point of order raised by Mazabuka Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo who wanted to know whether Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo was in order to allow the Police to defy the resolutions of the meeting of 2013 chaired by the Speaker which resolved that Members of Parliament can or cannot notify the police when they are having meetings in their constituencies, following the arrest of Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili recently, Dr Matibini has urged Members of Parliament to seize the opportunity presented by the reform of the Public Order Act to settle the issue and challenges relating to engaging their constituents.

Dr Matibini says in view of Mr Nkombo’s point of order, he has no material or evidence at his disposal upon which he can make or reach a conclusion and pronounce that minister of home affairs Steven Kampyongo and the police service have defied the resolution of the 2013 meeting.