I’ll not resign, declares besieged Eala Speaker
What you need to know:
- Kenyan MP Peter Mathuki filed the motion to remove Dr Zziwa and was seconded by Tanzania’s Abdullah Mwinyi.
East African Legislative Assembly Speaker Margaret Nantogo Zziwa is adamant that she will not quit.
Dr Zziwa who spoke in Nairobi Thursday said: “I am here as the Speaker of Eala unless otherwise guided by the relevant authorities. What members are doing trying to remove me is illegal.
“I am not going to resign simply because they are demanding that I do it. If the people of Uganda feel I should resign, then I shall listen to their voices.”
FILE MOTION
Kenyan MP Peter Mathuki filed the motion to remove Dr Zziwa and was seconded by Tanzania’s Abdullah Mwinyi.
The MPs accuse the Speaker, a Ugandan, of mismanagement and being an obstacle to the smooth running of the regional assembly.
“If members want me out, then let them remove me but with the right process,” Dr Zziwa said.
She spoke a day after members endorsed the motion barring her from exercising the duties of the Speaker. She said the procedure used to arrive at the decision was wrong. The motion had been pending since March and was finally tabled on Wednesday during a stormy session of the House.
The Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges is expected to determine the motion and has 21 days to deliver its verdict.
Eala is currently sitting in Nairobi. The third meeting of the third session, which began on November 17, has been marked by the debate of the Speaker’s removal.
