MASUMBA cleared to attend Parliament

The National Assembly has clarified that Mufumbwe Member of Parliament Stephen Masumba is entitled to resume his Parliamentary duties after being pardoned by then Acting President, Guy Scott.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Doris Mwiinga says Mr. Masumba was pardoned by the President and by law should resume functioning as a Member of Parliament and receive his remunerations.

This is contained in a letter dated February, 13, 2015 addressed to Zambian Voice Executive Director, Chilufya Tayali who questioned Mr. Masumba’s presence in Parliament.

Mr. Tayali was seeking clarification on whether Mr. Masumba who was convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment would resume his functions as a Member of Parliament.

And Ms. Mwiinga also reminded Mr. Tayali that Article 65 section 19 (C) and (f) of the constitution cited in the letter does not exist.

She said Article 71 is the one that deals with circumstances under which an MP can lose his or her seat.

Mr. Masumba was on November 20 convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment but was later pardoned by then Acting President, Guy Scott.

Times