Zambia opposition MPs boycott House in push for minister’s sack
Friday February 15 2019
Zambia’s opposition legislators walked out of parliament on Friday in protest after Housing and Infrastructure minister Ronald Chitotela stood to respond to questions.
The MPs are seeking the dismissal of the Housing and Infrastructure minister Ronald Chitotela who is facing corruption charges.
Mr Chitotela was arraigned at the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for concealing two properties in the capital’s upmarket Ibex Hill and Makeni believed to have been bought from proceeds of crime.
The Leader of Opposition Jack Mwiimbu told journalists that the lawmakers have resolved not to allow Mr Chitotela to address the House.
“Mr Chitotela should resign until his court case is concluded,” he said.
Pressure to fire the minister has been mounting on President Edgar Lungu, who has defended him saying he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, critics cast doubt if any top officials could be successfully prosecuted given the government’s soft approach to corruption.