By Esther Chisola
Acting PF faction leader Robert Chabinga says Matero member of parliament Miles Sampa has no right to dictate or expel anyone in the former ruling party.
On Monday, Sampa expelled Mafinga member of parliament (MP) Chabinga, Kanchibiya MP Sunday Chanda and his Kantanshi counterpart Anthony Mumba from the party for gross misconduct. Sampa also expelled Chipangali MP Andrew Lubusha, Msanzala’s Elias Daka and faction party secretary general Morgan N’gona for the same reason.
But in a statement yesterday, Chabinga dismissed the “purported expulsions” stating that Sampa’s actions lacked any legitimate authority and were a desperate attempt by an expelled member to assert control.
“Mr. Sampa, having already been expelled from the party, has no locus standi to dictate or expel anyone else. It is regrettable that he chooses to engage in actions that betray the very values of unity and discipline he claims to uphold. I call on him to reflect and have a sense of shame for these regrettable actions,” he stated.
Chabinga further stated that Sampa’s actions bordered on contempt of court noting that it was sub-judice to matters currently before the Constitutional Court.
“PF Secretary General Mr. Morgan Ng’ona has sued the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney General for their failure to act on Mr. Sampa’s expulsion. He must, therefore, be advised not to bite what he cannot chew,” Chabinga stated, adding that while Sampa probably thought the PF was for sale to the highest bidder, he was working hard to ensure the PF focuses on championing a developmental agenda and providing alternatives to the party in power.
He stated that the PF should be a vehicle for positive energy by proposing new ideas to advance Zambia’s development agenda.
“The PF remains committed to genuine dialogue, reconciliation, and unity, and we will not be swayed by such illegitimate measures. The voices of the people represented by duly elected and appointed members must continue to be heard without interference from those who no longer serve the party’s interests. PF is an open church and we remain ready to forge links with progressive forces in the nation,” stated Chabinga.
