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{
    "id": 1304542,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1304542/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 405,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Olekina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 407,
        "legal_name": "Ledama Olekina",
        "slug": "ledama-olekina"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for this opportunity. I rise to reply. I have listened to all our colleagues make contributions. As I reply, there are a few things that must be clarified, particularly for the new Members of the Senate. The beauty of debates is that you are either for or against the Motion. My job is to persuade you to find it fit to support the Motion, but with reason. When I was in school, I was taught that debate enriches skills and also challenges you to think outside the box. During the submissions of our colleagues, one of our colleagues indicated that it is important for the governor to come to this Plenary so that she can defend herself and all Senators get a chance to cross-examine her. I would like to correct this assertion. When we sit as 67 Members of the Senate, we will only sit as a jury. The only thing we can do is seek clarification. You will rise and ask for clarification. The reason why I was and still am persuading my colleagues to consider the committee way, is that this is the only option you will have to cross-examine any witness. Sitting here in Plenary, we will all be juries. These televisions will be switched off and after the governor and the assembly have made their case, we will sit down to consult and agree as 67 juries. It is important that any decision we make as a Senate; we make it when we are fully informed. I would like to persuade the new Members who have made an argument that they have not been allowed to experience a Committee and would like to be allowed to participate in an impeachment Motion. On our side of the divide, we proposed new Members. Out of the 11 Members, we have proposed four women, which is above one- third. We are discussing precedence and procedure. Whether to proceed to appoint this committee or proceed to Plenary. You will not get an opportunity to cross-examine a witness in Plenary, you will only be a jury. We must consider these issues as we make our decision."
}