TEMPERS flared in the House Assembly on Thursday when Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya (MDC-T) poked fun at Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa accusing him of walking out because he could not withstand the heat generated by the debate on corruption.
By Staff Reporter
“I hope politicians are not going to walk out as I speak of corruption, Mr Speaker,” Chikwinya said before an emotionally-charged Mnangagwa hit back, describing the MDC-T politician’s remarks as unsavoury and provocative.
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker, it is most unparliamentary to insinuate that my right to go out of the chamber should be governed by the speech of the Honourable Member discussing whatever topic he is discussing. I have a democratic right to be in the chamber and a democratic right to leave the chamber,” Mnangagwa said.
The House’s temporary Speaker Reuben Marumahoko then intervened and ordered Chikwinya to withdraw his statement, and the MP obliged.
The motion on corruption, introduced by Kambuzuma MP Willias Madzimure (MDC-T), has generated heated debate in Parliament with legislators calling on the Executive to deal decisively with the culprits.
Last year, local anti-graft watchdog Transparency International Zimbabwe revealed that the country was losing an average of $55 million a day, which translated to $10 billion, for the past five years through corruption.
Chikwinya hailed Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister Jonathan Moyo for leading the crusade against corruption.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“I do not agree with him on a number of issues, but on this particular issue of corruption, I would want to salute him.
“He is the only minister who has accepted the fact that corruption has become our greatest enemy. He is one minister who has allowed action to be taken on one of his boards, which is the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation board,” Chikwinya said.
