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{
"id": 222740,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/222740/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Deputy Speaker",
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"content": "Hon. members, before we go to the next Order, it is necessary that the Chair issues another Communication. Hon. Members will recall that the hon. Member for Gem Constituency, Mr. Jakoyo Midiwo, gave a notice of Motion on Thursday, 3rd, May, 2007 which I nullified yesterday. For the interest of this House, I wish to inform hon. Members on what transpired, especially in view of Mr. Midiwo's statements highlighted in the media. I, therefore, wish to inform hon. Members and the House, as follows: The hon. Member presented his draft Motion to the Speaker on 24th April, 2007. Mr. Speaker then directed that the Motion be re-drafted to conform with provisions of Standing Order No.40(1)(2)(3)(4). The Motion was accordingly re-drafted as directed by the Speaker. I personally invited the hon. Member to my Chamber on Wednesday, 2nd May, 2007 to discuss the re-drafted Motion. After our discussion, the hon. Member agreed with the re-drafted version, which I immediately approved. I further advised the hon. Member that I would give him an opportunity to May 9, 2007 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1221 give notice of the Motion on Thursday, 3rd May, 2007. Later, on perusal of the HANSARD of Thursday, 3rd May, 2007, it transpired that the Motion that Mr. Midiwo gave notice of was not the version that had been approved in accordance with Standing Order No.40 and as approved by me. It was for this reason that I gave a Communication from the Chair yesterday and gave the hon. Member another chance to give notice of the approved Motion. Hon. Members may wish to know that, as a matter of fact, the hon. Member gave notice of the approved Motion this morning. Hon. Members, may I take this opportunity to express my dismay that after the hon. Member was advised on the rules of procedure governing Motions and asked to give notice of the approved Motion, he chose to address a Press conference, castigating the Chair. I was even more surprised to hear Mr. Midiwo say that the House will go on recess on 17th May, 2007, which is not true. I wish to state categorically, therefore, that the Chair has no personal interest in this matter. However, the Chair has an interest and responsibility to enforce the rules of the House. As hon. Members are aware, I have stated many times that this is a responsibility that I will discharge without fear or favour, and, may I add, absolutely without any intimidation. The dignity of this House, its respect and honour in the eyes of the public will lie much more on how hon. Members conduct themselves both inside and outside the Chamber. Let us be men and women of honour of this nation. I personally take exception to the insinuation by Mr. Midiwo, more so after we had agreed on the terms of the Motion in my Chamber on Wednesday, 2nd May, 2007. I will, however, leave the matter to his conscience. Nevertheless, may I re-affirm that the Chair will continue to enforce the rules that guide the conduct of business without exception. I, therefore, urge hon. Members not to drag the Chair into issues that are extraneous to the Office of the Speaker. Thank you."
}