Speakers make a mockery of Parliament: Muharukua

WINDHOEK, 22 JUN  – The Speakers of the National Assembly (NA) are weak, biased and are making a joke of Parliament to the detriment of the nation, Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Vipuakuje Muharukua claimed.
He made these comments in an interview with Nampa on Thursday, shortly after the NA session was abruptly adjourned by Deputy Speaker, Loide Kasingo, when proceedings in the house went out of control.
Drama unfolded when opposition parliamentarians felt insulted by Land Reform Minister, Utoni Nujoma who referred to them as “puppets” and after Swapo Members of Parliament (MPs) did not want an issue of corruption discussed.
Muharukua attributed the chaotic events to the lack of leadership by the Speakers, Peter Katjavivi and his deputy, Kasingo.
“The Speaker of Parliament lacked the backbone to look his fellow Swapo MP in the eye and say ‘you have wronged, please ask for an apology’,” Muharukua also said, in reference to Katjavivi not reprimanding Nujoma for remarks he made about inhabitants of the Kunene Region.
The PDM MP further claimed that Katjavivi is quick to point fingers at the opposition, but is afraid to do the same when it comes to members of Cabinet.
“Even when he is reprimanding them, he looks at the direction of the opposition. He cannot even dare stand firm and face Cabinet,” he charged.
Echoing similar views, Swanu’s Usutuaije Maamberua said for the integrity, neutrality and impartiality of the NA to remain intact, both Kasingo and Katjavivi ought to have resigned from active politics upon assuming their respective roles.
“How can they be objective if they are party to their political party’s caucuses and hold active political positions? We have to change the rules so that they don’t have any political position,” he continued.
In a telephonic interview with Nampa on Friday, Kasingo discredited Muharukua’s assertions.
“They were just out of order. We tried our level best to bring the house to order, but they were just out of order,” said Kasingo.
She made clear that her duty is to preside over the house and can do little to control MPs who refuse to take their seats when requested to by a Speaker.
“We are not biased. We are very objective,” she noted, stressing that she would have taken more drastic measures against some MPs for their poor conduct, but instead opted to adjourn the debate.
(NAMPA)