Mafinga Patriotic Front (MP) member of Parliament Robert Chabinga has ignored the High Court order restraining him from holding any gathering as party leader. He instead proceeded to hold a press conference and announced the purported expulsion of former President Edgar Lungu and senior Patriotic Front leaders from the party.
The PF has been divided into three factions with two allegedly sponsored by the ruling party, UPND and one headed by former president Edgar Lungu. Chabinga has takenover from the faction that was led by another lawmaker Miles Sampa of Matero constituency who has fallen out with government. Sampa had obtained a High Court order restraining Chabinga from holding any gathering as PF leader.
However, at today press briefing which the PF alleges Chabinga was encouraged by State House, he went ahead with the gathering in his capacity as PF Acting president and announced the purported expulsion of former President Edgar Lungu and senior Patriotic Front leaders from the Party. He also claims to have expelled Sampa. He stated that he will ensure that Matero Seat was declared vacant. He also said he was with immediate effect recalling Sampa from the Pan African Parliament.
Chabinga also claims that with the help of the Zambia Police, he will take-over Party Secretariat located on Lumumba and Pangani road. He also announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs has facilitated the fresh transfer of new office bearers of the Patriotic Front. He said he was the ligitimate leader of the PF and has directed that Police arrest anyone who will mascaraed as PF leader.
He has also instructed his Secretary General to write to the Speaker of the National Assembly to inform her about the two seats – Matero and Mwasabombwe whose members have been expelled to be declared vacant.
By press time the government had not responded to the development. This week the PF joined the Tonse Alliance where Lungu was unveiled as presidential candidate and chairman.
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