Sinjembela MP Njeulu Poniso and Kalabo MP Chinga Miyutu have been suspended from UPND with immediate effect for failing to perform party functions in the province , says UPND Western province chairman M.D Mubita.
Mubita says the the duo could not adhere to the promise they made when being interviewed for adoption that they will always identify themselves with UPND and support the party anytime called upon .
He revealed that on three occasions the tow PF moles failed to participate in by-elections some of them being held in the province despite being informed. Consequently, the provincial disciplinary committee attributed this inertia as a maneuver to cross.
‘However, as UPND working with the government of the day is NOT an issue but the method and enticements indicated to our MPs is corruption of the worst kind,’ said Mubita in a press statetment reproduced below:
UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(UPND)
WESTERN PROVINCE
PRESS RELEASE
Distinguished members of the press, ladies and gentlemen a number of issues have taken place in our party in the Western Province and you needed to be informed about them. Indeed it is our mandate to keep you updated on the happenings within our party (UPND).We strongly believe that constant interaction with you is one way we can inform you about our views as a party on certain happenings in the province so that you are able to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, the playing field has never been level. We tried to cry before our ‘colleagues ’to allow us meet in order to exchange views and this has always been difficulty. It is on this premise that this press release is being availed to you so that objectivity in your reporting takes a central stage. I fully understand the cicumstances under which some of you find yourselves in and we have exchanged views on one to one basis over it. You will help to build and consolidate democracy we peacefully gave ourselves in 1991 if only you extended your microphones more to the voiceless. However, UPND in the province will always strive to manifest itself as much as possible in a peaceful manner. After all we know each other well within our party circles in our province and have never been confrontational to each other. We always congratulated any party that performed well at any election.
Protest against women and youth day celebrations
In as much as we understand the essence of these international celebrations, UPND in the province found in difficult to participate due to the following reasons:
- Unwarranted persecution of UPND and other opposition parties.
- Denial of the party freedom to hold meetings.
- Unwarranted suspicion of some members of the provincial committee to
- Be involved in alleged subversive activities, an issue we strongly refute.
Sesheke celebrations
However, Sesheke did participate in the women celebration due to communication breakdown. Preliminary investigations do not lead to defiance and they have since apologized to the province .It was not defiance of party orders as it was reported in some media. We are monitoring the situation there.
Let me take this opportunity again to inform members that the order still stands-
Let’s dedicate 12th.March 2013(youth day) to reflect on the futureless of our youths in the country with rampart unemployment challenge at the helm.
Suspension of Hon.Chiinga Miyutu and Hon.Poniso Njeulu
The two MPs for Kalabo central and Sinjembela respectively have been suspended from performing party functions in the province with immediate effect. The duo could not adhere to the promise they made when being interviewed for adoption that they will always identify themselves with UPND and support the party anytime called upon .On three occasions they failed to participate in by-elections some of them being held in the province despite being informed. Consequently, the provincial disciplinary committee attributed this inertia as a maneuver to cross.
However, as UPND working with the government of the day is NOT an issue but the method and enticements indicated to our MPs is corruption of the worst kind.
The popularity of a candidate in a constituency is attributed to the strength of the candidate’s party .If the candidate is interested in the services of a particular candidate from the opposition, sincere negotiations should be instituted with the concerned party and NOT with individual MPs. This is in the interest of true transparency .As far as we are concerned we shall always suspect them of being corrupt.
Again let me request our committees in the affected constituencies to open up dialogue with super-substitutes and prepare them for the occasion.
Hon .M Mutelo and others join UPND family
The United Party for National Development in Lukulu welcomed the defection of
Hon.Mutelo and 206 others from MMD, PF, NAREP and ADD. We whole heartedly welcome them to UPND family in Western Province. Together we can build a prosperous western province.
Dear colleagues, we still have hope and appreciate the role you play as citizens of this province (INFORM US, EDUCATE US, COMMUNICATE TO US) you hold the torch here.
We hold the Catholic Bishops’ letter with the holiness it deserves for bringing governments’ short-comings to the surface. UPND in western province deeply recognizes the role Catholic Church has played in the province in speaking for the voiceless flock.
Lastly let me reiterate the need for tolerance to each other. Accord the opposition a level playing field-“bikeni bola panshi bane” –a pre-requisite for good governance.
I thank you
M D Mubita
Chairperson
UPND WESTERN PROVINCE