RULING BY THE HON MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER ON A MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE RAISED BY MR M F FUBE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR CHILUBI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, AGAINST HON M HAIMBE, MP, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HON J J MWIIMBU, MP MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY AND THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT MR H S HICHILEMA ON THE ALLEGED SUSTAINED AND SPONSORED ATTACKS ON THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Hon Members, the House will recall that on Tuesday, 19th October, 2021, during the segment on Matters of Urgent Public Importance, Mr. M F Fube, Member of Parliament for Chilubi Parliamentary Constituency, rose on a matter of urgent public importance pursuant to Standing Order 134 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2021.

The matter of urgent public importance raised by Mr. M F Fube, MP, was that there were sustained and sponsored attacks against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on social media regarding the operations of her office, in general, and how she has used her power to enter a nolleprosequi, in particular.  

Hon Members, in her immediate response, the Hon Madam Speaker requested Mr. MF Fube, MP, to lay on the Table of the House the relevant paper he had in his possession, and reserved her ruling. I have since studied the matter and will now render my ruling. 

Hon Members, the Hon Madam Speaker has given sufficient guidance on the raising of matters of urgent public importance.

I, however, wish to reiterate that the rationale for matters of public importance under Standing Order 134, is to allow Members to bring serious and urgent matters that only a Member of Parliament could be privy to the immediate attention of the House and the Government.  These should be matters which, if not acted upon immediately by the Government, could result in a catastrophe leading to loss of life or property. Such urgent matters include natural disasters like floods or fire, and invasions by humans or animals. Therefore, while an issue may appear important, if it is not so urgent and serious that it requires the immediate attention of the Government to avert a calamity, then it is not admissible under Standing Order 134.

Hon Members, while the issues raised by Mr. M F Fube, MP, may be important,it is my considered view that theydo not require the immediate action of the Government to avert a calamity as envisaged by Standing Order 134. 

In view of the foregoing, the matter raised by Mr. M F Fubeis inadmissible as a matter of urgent public importance.

I, once again, wish to urge members to acquaint themselves with the rules governing matters of urgent public importance.

I thank you.
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