The death of a colossus: The last of the true people’s speakers!

The ones we have had after him cannot be termed to be the people’s speakers – they are the appointing authority’s speakers with no legacy to write about.

By Hon. Saviour Chishimba | UPP Leader.

Lusaka, Oct. 23 – He knew NO tribe, party affiliation, colour, creed or religion in his presiding over the business of the House. His decorum and cadence unequivocally conveyed his passion for service of the motherland. He commanded respect from both sides of the divide in the House.

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Speaker Amusa K. Mwanamwambwa knew each and every member’s strengths. He knew who to give the floor of the House at every stage of the business of the House. He was never ever biased.

He never allowed members of the front bench (Ministers) to debate without official ministerial portfolio notes predominantly because theirs were official government positions under what is termed as “collective responsibility”. He repeatedly and consistently guided that backbenchers were the only ones who had the freedom to speak without notes primarily because theirs were issues of the general populace from their constituents.

Parliaments represent national sovereignty. Of the three branches of government it’s only parliaments that compromise the people’s representatives who are directly elected by the people. The judicature is not elected by the people – it’s appointed by the President. Whereas the President is elected by the people, Cabinet Ministers are not directly elected to their portfolios by the people. All other appointees of the President in very important state bodies are not elected by the people and they naturally serve the interests of the appointing authority.

It was evident in his preservation of the integrity of the House that Speaker Mwanamwambwa understood the heavy responsibility he carried. He maintained the parliamentary cornerstones that the revered Speaker Robinson Nabulyato of blessed memory built.

Speaker Mwanamwambwa will also be remembered as the most well read speaker. There is no word that any member could utter which would escape his ears and understanding. He was the moving encyclopedia Britannica.

The ones we have had after him cannot be termed to be the people’s speakers – they are the appointing authority’s speakers with no legacy to write about.

It takes principles and patriotism to decide to serve the Republic rather than the appointing authority.

The oath of office in Zambia is WRONG. Public office holders swear to pay allegiance to the President. HOW can a country of sane people entertain this? The allegiance of the president and all public servants must be to the Constitution.

This explains why, up to now, Zambia does not have a Constitution. What we have wrongly been referring to as the Constitution is Schedule II of the Order in Council, a product of the Zambia Independence Act of 1964, Section 65 of the Laws of England, a foreign statute.

Speaker Mwanamwambwa, a father to all parliamentarians, mentor, teacher and disciplinarian belongs to the Hall of Fame. What a rare privilege to have served under him as a member of the tenth session of the National Assembly!

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