Sampa escapes suspension from Parliament

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Miles Sampa (Deputy minister of Commerce)
Miles Sampa

Matero Member of Parliament who is also Commerce, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Miles Sampa has escaped suspension from Parliament for being absent from the House for 22 days without permission.

This follows a letter of complaint written by Government Chief Whip Yamfwa Mukanga on 11th December 2014 to the Speaker over Mr Sampa’s absence from the house without permission from 28th October 2014.

Delivering ruling on the matter this afternoon, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mkondo Lungu reprimanded Mr Sampa in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services which found him guilty of the offence of absenteeism from the house and breach of parliamentary privileges.

Mr Lungu reminded Mr Sampa that as deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry he has an important role of accounting to the house on the administration of government policy, projects and programmes under his portfolio.

He further reminded Mr Sampa that his absence from the house especially that he is a deputy Minister without permission from the Chief Whip reflects adversely on the dignity and integrity of the house.

Mr Lungu said Mr Sampa’s absence from the house for such a long period was a serious error of judgment and amounted to an abandonment of duties not only to the house as deputy Minister, but also to the people of Matero constituency whom he represents and the nation at large.

And Mr. Sampa who attributed his absence from Parliament to his mourning of late President Michael Sata unreservedly apologized to the Speaker and the house for his absence from the house without permission.

 

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