The mistake by the office of the beleaguered President of Zimbabwe, which saw him reading the same statement he read in his infamous State of the Nation Address, is a clear reflection that the centre cannot hold anymore, as things have really fallen apart. It is evident that Robert Mugabe is no longer fit to continue with the responsibilities of a leader of the state. When one can go through a speech that they once delivered and fails to notice that they are repeating it, it ceases to be a laughing matter. When one is no longer able to tell whether a speech they are delivering is setting the legislative agenda or not, then we remain doomed as a country.
Lovemore Chinoputsa Mugabe needs to be rescued from the insensitive clique in Zanu PF that still forces a 91-year-old to carry out presidential functions when it’s evident that he is no longer fit for the job.
There is no other time than now for Parliament to carry out their responsibility and provide leadership by recalling Mugabe. It is their democratic right to remain true and patriotic to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which calls for them to act in the best interests of citizens when the President is failing to discharge their duties. ‘ Section (97)(d) of the Zimbabwe Constitution speaks clearly of the removal of the president or vice-president from office for inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity and we wish to bring this clause to the attention of our parliamentarians across the political divide to deal with this case once and for all.
Whoever made the mistake definitely wanted Zimbabweans to have a feel of what they have been living. He wanted to demonstrate that Mugabe is no longer in charge of his faculties. History will record and reward that officer for such bravery.
Leave Zimbabwe to those that have the energy to deliver it from this economic and political crisis. It’s now or never.
l Lovemore Chinoputsa is MDC-T Youth Assembly secretary-general
