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{
    "id": 196426,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/196426/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 15,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Linturi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 69,
        "legal_name": "Franklin Mithika Linturi",
        "slug": "franklin-linturi"
    },
    "content": "Standing Order No.20(1) states:- \"Any Member may at any time rise in his place and seek leave to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent national importance\". Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as a requirement, and in compliance with Part 2 of Standing Order No.20, I gave notice yesterday that I will be rising today. The matter of national importance here is the fact that this House does not have an Official Opposition. There are Committees in this House that cannot be formed without the Official Opposition. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Section 45 of the Constitution talks about the constitution of the Parliamentary Service Commission, which is a creation of this House. If anything, Section 45B(1) says:- \"There shall be a Parliamentary Service Commission which shall consist of - 468 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES April 16, 2008 (d) the Leader of the Official Opposition party with the highest number of seats in the National Assembly or a Member of the National Assembly deputed by him;\" That provides for a Member of the Opposition or Leader of the Opposition being a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission. Section 45B(1)(ii) states:- \"three shall be nominated by the parliamentary party or parties forming the Opposition\". Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Parliament, being the supreme law-making body--- I think it is very important to note that we cannot sit here now and see Parliament itself contravene the Constitution that it swore to safeguard and protect. That is why I think that the business of this House should be suspended until this matter is discussed by Members. Members should agree on the way forward on matters that relate to the constitution of those committees. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}