Patience Makwele
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy leader and member of parliament (MP) Kalimbo Iipumbu has called on National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to voluntarily step aside from presiding over the house for one month.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Iipumbu says recent parliamentary proceedings have created an “atmosphere of disorder and tension,“ raising concerns about the Speaker’s impartiality and the treatment of opposition MPs.
He argues that the Speaker should use the one-month period to sit in the National Assembly and observe deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo conduct proceedings, saying the experience could provide an opportunity for reflection and strengthen the credibility of parliament.
“The National Assembly belongs to the Namibian people. Its dignity, impartiality and constitutional mandate must always come before partisan interests,” Iipumbu stated.
The call comes a day after the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) attempted to move a motion seeking the removal of Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, accusing her of failing to preside over the house fairly and impartially.
Parliament was subsequently adjourned until next week Tuesday following a second consecutive day of disorder in the chamber.
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