President Hichilema nominates 5 MPs

President Hakainde Hichilema has nominated five Members of Parliament (MPs) who have since been sworn-in by Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti. The five took oath of office during a ceremony held at the National Assembly Chambers in Lusaka today. These include former…

President Hakainde Hichilema has nominated five Members of Parliament (MPs) who have since been sworn-in by Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti.

The five took oath of office during a ceremony held at the National Assembly Chambers in Lusaka today.

These include former Minister Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, Researcher and University of Zambia lecturer Gilbert Siame and Roma Chilengi who was Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director General until his appointment.

Others are former Luena Member of Parliament Mubita Anakoka and renowned Economist who was also until his appointment Board Chairperson of the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) Noel Nkhoma.

Ms Mutti welcomed the five MPs to the 14th National Assembly and reminded them of the constitutional and procedural requirements governing their functions as legislators.

She said Article 260 of the Constitution requires persons assuming public office to take and subscribe to the prescribed oath or affirmation of office before commencing their official duties.

Ms Mutti explained that the requirement is further reinforced by the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, which require Members to take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation before participating in proceedings of the House.

She further said the swearing-in exercise will continue for other nominated Members of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.

The five MPs join 224 other Members who have already been sworn-in by the Speaker.

Meanwhile, Mr Haimbe thanked President Hichilema for nominating him to serve the Zambian people for a second time.

Mr Haimbe, who is also former Lusaka Central Member of Parliament, said the political contest is now over and called for collective efforts to develop the country.

The other four nominated MPs also pledged to contribute to the development of Zambia under the leadership of President Hichilema.