I’m not rebelling- Lucius Banda

Balaka North member of Parliament (MP) Lucius Banda has said he is not rebelling the governing pact between his United Democratic Front (UDF) and ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by rejecting the relocation from opposition benches to the government side in Parliament.

Banda says he remains UDF and support the party’s stand to work with DPP, saying he will continue supporting President Peter Mutharika without necessarily physically moving to sit with government.

The lawmaker, who is also the country’s top musician, said it is “not necessary” for him to relocate.

He said his decision should be misconstrued as rebelling.

“I am not a rebel. I will still speak on behalf of UDF while sitting on opposition benches and keep good working relationship with government while appreciating good points that come from the opposition,” explained Banda.

Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya announced in Parliament that all UDF legislators except Banda had moved from opposition to government benches in the 193-member National Assembly.

Banda, who is leader of UDF in Parliament, said the party’s decision to relocate from opposition to government benches in the National Assembly will completely kill of the visibility of the party in the House as they will be under DPP leadership in the chamber.

“My constituents cannot go to bed with UDF and wake up with DPP,” he added.

UDF president Atupele Muluzi is serving in Mutharika’s cabinet and relocated to the front benches after he was appointed minister.

Speaker said UDF will not be contravening any law by physically moving and changing the sitting arrangement in the August House.