.Matibini

By CATHERINE NYIRENDA –

RESUMPTION of Parliament yesterday was characterised by a euphoric atmosphere, which saw a number of changes in the seating arrangement.
Before business was called to order by the speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini, some Members of Parliament (MPs) were seen taking pictures of themselves (selfies) while others conversed.
Among the new entrants, Margaret Mwanakatwe, who is Commerce Minister, was ushered into the House by her Local Government and Housing counterpart, John Phiri and Tourism and Arts Deputy Minister Esther Banda after which she took oath of office as nominated MP.
Ms Mwanakatwe was followed by Deputy Minister at State House Mulenga Sata who was ushered into the chamber by PF Lukashya MP Alfredah Kansembe and MMD Chadiza MP Allan Mbewe.
The entry of Mr Sata prompted cheers in the House from the members, some of them shouting the “Cobra” is back (in reference to the late President Michael Sata who was famously known as King Cobra.)
Former Vice-President Guy Scott was conspicuously missing from the House with former Agriculture Minister Wlybur Simuusa, while former Commerce Minister and Bwana Mkubwa MP Emmanuel Chenda joined the back benchers.
Vice-President Inonge Wina equally did not attend the first day of Parliament under President Edgar Lungu’s administration as she was reportedly attending to other national duties.
Dr Matibini told the House that in the absence of Ms Wina, Transport, Works and Supply and Communications minister Yamfwa Mukanga would act as leader of Government business.
The speaker also announced that the deputy minister in the office of the Vice-President Stephen Kampyongo had been appointed as Government deputy chief whip to assist Mr Mukanga who is Government Chief Whip.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda has advised consumers to purchase mealie-meal from milling company outlets and other establishments that stick to recommended new price margins.
This follows the failure by some retail outlets to pass on the benefit of the reduced prices of mealie-meal in the country especially along the line of rail where milling companies are established.
Mr Lubinda said when he presented a ministerial statement in Parliament on the mealie-meal price situation that some millers had established retail outlets in townships where they were selling their mealie-meal at the adjusted prices.