THE MMD has charged national secretary Mwansa Mbulakulima with conduct likely to bring the name of the former ruling party into disrepute.
And MMD has said it will not accept interference from any former leaders dictating how the party should run as it has a strong national executive committee.
Mr Mbulakulima, who has been charged for the second time within weeks, has been given 10 days to exculpate himself.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, MMD acting spokesperson Reuben Sambo said the charge follows a briefing Mr Mbulakulima held on February 29 in which he disputed the resolution of the national executive committee (NEC) of January 30 and February 16, 2016.
“At your briefing, you categorically revealed that you are against the suspension and expulsion of erring party officials. This action caused the party to be viewed in the public eye as divided,” Reverend Sambo said.
According to the charge letter obtained by the Sunday Mail, Mr Mbulakulima has also been charged for insubordination to senior party organs or officials, contrary to regulation 7a (q) of the MMD disciplinary regulation of 1993.
He has also been charged with disobedience to orders, directives or instructions of any party organ, contrary to regulation 7a (p) of the party disciplinary regulation, 1993.
“As a consequence, you are directed not to report for work or carry out any responsibility as national secretary until the charges are disposed of in accordance with Article 8 (1) (iii) of the party disciplinary regulations [of] 1993,” the letter which was signed by MMD leader Nevers Mumba read in part.
Rev Sambo, however, disputed earlier reports by Mr Mbulakulima that he has been expelled from the party.
“Mr Mbulakulima was written to on recommendation of about 20 Lusaka-based NEC members to seek understanding on his “strange behaviour and actions”. But Mr Mbulakulima has continued alleging that he has been expelled.
“It is true a letter was delivered to his home but he refused to receive or read it. He got the idea that he has been expelled,” Rev Sambo said.
Efforts to contact Mr Mbulakulima proved futile as his phone was off.
And Rev Sambo said the party welcomes any positive input from any former members of the party on how to grow the party.
“We, however, take great exception to any interference from either former, expelled or suspended members of the party dictating how the party should be run. MMD has a competent NEC whose role is to guide and provide leadership to the party. Dr Mumba has the full legal mandate to navigate the party through the opposition waters without any interference from former leaders,” Rev Sambo said.
Former president Rupiah Banda has offered to resolve problems surrounding the ruling party following a call for the party to go for a convention.
Chairperson for commerce Felix Mutati has since been expelled although he has taken the matter to court.
Mr Mbulakulima has disassociated himself from the court case in defence of the MMD.
CONFUSED CHARACTERS.
Napapata shikulu ba Nevers’ my president sir, its .mutati who gave me 2pin to do that.nalya amafi yambwa!
Under the leadership of Dr Mumba , MMD has seen a number of party National Secretary and Spokesperson charged and subsequently expelled. He is going to fire one including you Ba Rev Sambo .All the people in mmd under Ba Nevers start like you are doing. Tomorrow it will be you who is going to receive the charge sheet.
Sambo just out of interest would you tell me who your active NEC members are. 1. Nevers 2. Chitika 3. Machungwa 4. Wendy 5……… Eh?
Maybe its time our parties thought of separating their party leader & presidential candidate. Let the candidate be “nominated” like its done with candidates for parley. These parties vest so much power in one person.
Comment:MMD is going it2 oblivion.if democracy is abt numbers then Pastor Mumba should kip the members he has and guard them jeoulsly.
No news here
Next headline please
2016 vote PF ( Edgar )
I thank you
I have said many times its basically political immaturity from Nevers Mumba and he will not solve anything by expelling everyone who is opposed to his confused way of doing things.
It is sad that Zambia still does not have proper political parties. All these so called parties are just vehicles for their so called presidents to perpetually contest elections. In the case of Nevers, it is also a source of cash. When PF lose elections, all the corrupt elements currently looting the country’s coffers will simply jump ship to the next big thing.
NS IS DMBARRASSING NIMSDLF. NOW DID HE REZCT SO EMOTIONALLY BDFORD READING THE LETTER? WHY IS HE PANICKING?
DD MIMBA KEEP YOUR FOOT DOWN TO INSTIL DISCOPLINE INTHEPARTY. THESE CHARACTERS WANTO HOODWINK US THAT MMD IS UNGOVDRNABLE BUT THE TRUTH IS MMD IS THE OY PEZCEFUL PARTY. WIGH A DECENT AND DEMOCRATI LEZDER