Drama in Parly: CCC MPs suspended for six sittings

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

There was drama at Parliament on Thursday when opposition Citizens Coalition for Change MPs were ejected from the house after singing Ndimi Makauraya during swearing-in of newly elected legislators.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda suspended all the opposition MPs for the next four sittings. The drama happened during the swearing-in ceremony of Mabvuku-Tafara MP Scott Sakupwanya and eight other newly-elected legislators.

Some of the ejected MPs were manhandled by the police. Mudenda accused them of demonstrating unparliamentary behaviour by causing disturbances during the swearing-in ceremony of new members.

This means that the opposition will not get the opportunity to debate Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s 2024 budget, which has been described by critics as anti-people.

CCC supporter and lawyer, Freddy Masarirevu said it was not a good idea for the MPs to get themselves ejected when they were supposed to debate the budget.

“I find it weird. Why go to Parliament so that you get chucked out for making noise. Why not completely withdraw if you are not interested in any of the proceedings? So, the budget will now be debated in the absence of people that were voted to debate the budget? Be decisive,” he said.