THE 2015 BUDGET WILL NOT PASS IF EDGAR IS NOT PICKED- PF MPs. Some Patriotic Front Members of Parliament have threatened not to pass the 2015 national budget if Edgar Lungu is not adopted as the party’s candidate in the presidential by election. The MPs have also threatened to suspend their financial contributions to the party if Mr. Lungu is not adopted. The MPs in support of Mr Lungu addressed a news briefing at Blue Nile Lodge in Lusaka and revealed that their group has grown to 70 from the initial 63. Speaking on behalf of the MPs, Lupososhi Member of Parliament Lazarous Bwalya said the MPs have learnt with dismay that a fresh Central Committee meeting has been called to discuss a matter that in their view was already resolved. “We appeal to the Central Committee to abide by its own decision made on 13th November 2014 and supported by the collective will of the people expressed through ourselves, the democratically elected representatives. We are surprised to learn from the media, that the Acting President, Dr. Guy Scott, is reported to have scornfully and unilaterally rejected such a legitimate resolution from a legal organ of the party,” Mr Bwalya said. He added, “In its place Dr. Scott has unilaterally issued a Notice for a General Conference and has assigned himself the function of the Secretary General by receiving purported nominations. In our view, this Notice is clearly Null and Void, because the said Notice was issued without the authority of the Central Committee as provided for under Article 58(K) of the PF Constitution (k) which states that the Central Committee had the powers to summon the Regular or Extra-ordinary meetings of the National Council or the General Conference.” Mr Bwalya said it is no longer in dispute that Dr. Scott has engaged himself in numerous illegal and unconstitutional acts by attempting to rule through decrees and threats. “Dr Scott has also breached the Constitution by causing the transfer and appointments of officers or appointees of the Republican President. Dr. Scott, without the authority Cabinet cancelled Cabinet Meetings and without reference, consultation or authority of the Central Committee also cancelled Central Committees too.” He added, “Dr. Scott’s conduct is adrift with established procedure and democratic principles upon which the PF was founded. Dr. Scott has drastically departed from principles practiced by our beloved President, His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, who consulted widely, and ruled by consensus.” “As elected representatives of the people, we have a moral and constitutional obligation to enforce the will of the people. It is for this reason that we appeal to the Central Committee to uphold the wishes of the people and end this self-created succession crisis by adopting a leader that Zambians, PF members and Members of Parliament have supported.” Mr Bwalya said Zambians should not be cheated adding that the actions by Dr. Scott so far have nothing to do with advancing democracy nor the Rule of Law. “We therefore appeal to Dr. Scott to abandon pursuing and advancing sectional and private interests and stop abusing the lofty and dignified office of the President. Dr. Scott’s only role during this difficult period is to promote public interest and a smooth transition both in the party and government. As Members of Parliament we have a sacred obligation to ensure that, the wishes, vision and legacy of our beloved President, His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata is upheld and promoted.”
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:26:28 +0000
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