BY CYNTHIA NKHATA
President Hakainde Hichilema says the election of Zambia’s first female speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti is a great achievement for the country.
This is in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s campaign promise in which he pledged to ensure that women are included in key leadership positions in-order to move the country forward as a way of reducing gender inequalities.
Speaking during the Approbation of the Speaker of National Assembly and her two deputies, Attractor Chisangano and Moses Moyo at State House today, President Hichilema also pledged independence of the legislative wing of Government.
“We are happy that for the first time in the history of this country, we have a female Speaker of the National Assembly and that is a huge achievement for the country. We wish you all the best in the execution your duties to the nation. The First Deputy Speaker is also female; we are happy to have this combination,” said President Hichilema.
He also stressed that having an independent legislature as an independent wing of Government came with responsibilities, warning of complacency.
He also appealed to the house to work collectively to serve the people and formulate laws that would serve the interest of the people.
“Do not formulate laws against the people. We have seen this in the past. Zambians know that sometimes that house has been used to make laws to block citizens from enjoying their rights, we do not expect this team to do that. Independence is assured in the [Republican] Constitution and we will respect that,” said President Hichilema
President Hichilema said members of parliament should know that they are occupying offices for the people to make laws that will make people’s lives easier so that they can advance themselves in life.
“Protect citizens at all times. If laws are against the people, I think the House should be at liberty to amend such laws, whatever ticket you are on you are full Member of Parliament and you have our support,” said President Hichilema.
