UDF says Lucius Banda won’t face retribution
United Democratic Front (UDF) says it appreciates and respects the decision by its leader in Parliament, Lucius Banda, not to move to government benches and that it will not take any disciplinary action against him.
UDF publicity secretary Ken Ndanga told local press that Banda is simply exercising his rights in that regard.
He stressed that there will be no victimisation or retribution against Banda because UDF is a democratic party and it encourages people to be free and open.
“As a party, we respect his decision because there could be other party members that share his views. We feel this matter can only be resolved if we sit down as a party and discuss it,” said Ndanga.
He said Banda has been a loyal member of UDF and such being the case they do not see the reason why they should take a disciplinary action against the true member.
“We know that there have been fears amongst UDF followers that we may end up joining the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but let me assure Malawians that the party cannot be disbanded.
“We have a large following and what has happened in Parliament is just a sitting arrangement and it does not make us less UDF,” he explained.
Earlier, Banda, who has defied the party’s decision to relocate from opposition to government benches said he will continue speaking on behalf of UDF while sitting on opposition benches.
He also insisted that he will still continue supporting government.
UDF MPs started sitting on government benches when President Peter Mutharika opened the nine-week Budget Meeting of Parliament on Tuesday with a State of the Nation Address.
All UDF members of Parliament (MPs) moved to government side in line with the request the party made to Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya.
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Democracy at work, there is no issue here cos as much as one respects his party one must also remember his/her constituents
Well done both Lucius and UDF for Malawi needs maturity in political platforms. Lucius wisely knows that he cannot be a sensible leader of opposition on govt benches. UDF maturely realises that sitting arrangements do not make one traitorous. Thanks for understanding that Lucius and his constituents have rights as well. For once my country has given me the utmost smile as far as politics. Keep it growing, guys. Fred Chibuaner, RSA
Lucia did right because United democratic frond doesn’t have a future according to the situation it is now
Osadanda uiphula president wa udf posachedwa
If we had many of Lucius’s calibre in Malawi, Malawi would have been a better place to live and very advanced in development. Bravo Lucius Banda. I am MCP but I have saluted you. You are a true soldier of the poor masses. Mwana wanzeru. Zangolakwikwa ndiwe mkuda umayenera kukhala mzungu. Lucius mzungu wanzeru sha!!!
Midyomba yakwatiwa ndi alomwe kkkkkk. I knew midyomba ndiyopepera but not to this extent. Nkhongo yako Atupele!!! Shupiti zako iweyo plus mkazi wako Angela you are imbeciles with your entire generation. Nkhongo yaitaliyo wandikwiyitsa kwambiri.
Lucius is right. Remember one persone died because he was fighting for UDF cause. Alas! Atupele sacrified one mujomba from Mangochi for his ministrial post. Shame Ayao opusa inu. Lucius, maintain your level headedness and leave all those foolish greedy MPs who will be judged by Allah. Good people are very scarce and you are one in billions. Life is not all about money but sticking to principles. Atupele is a father’s sellout. Useless human being equal to Boko Haraam
wayambanso ungosauka nazo izi mapeto ake. just be cool, eat money as billy k did. pano siwakuposa ndalama. chonsecho was some kilometers away moneywise. mphuma bambo no pinduling!! andione amakuonadi anthu either for bad or good
In Malawi there iz only ONE party yomwe siimatekeseka muli discipline ya nyooo! This party has seen tima party tinati tikubadwa mpakanso tikungova ndimatenda ONE party ili nga nga nga! Sindiitchula mukuiziwa nokha!
I can’t believe UDF will not punish or somehow sanction this MP. Why then have a party whip in parliament if he/she does not use the “whip” to straighten out sheep that has gone a stray? Party politics is about team play, and a team player is not always going to get his/her way, in the game.
Fire him. And see where he will end up.