The First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Attractor Chisangano, has ruled that the Committee on Privileges and Absences will issue a recommendation by next Friday on whether Petauke MP Emmanuel Jay Banda, a fugitive, should remain in office.
This decision follows a point of order raised by UPND Katombora MP Clement Andeleki last month, questioning the status of Banda’s seat after the MP escaped from Chipata Central Hospital on June 20, 2024.
In her ruling on Tuesday, Chisangano referred the matter to the committee after Banda, also known as Jay Jay, failed to attend the House for more than four consecutive sittings without a valid excuse. According to the National Assembly’s standing orders, a member’s unexplained absence for four or more sittings must be reviewed by the committee.
“The absence of Mr. Jay E Banda MP since his escape from custody has not been justified,” Chisangano stated. “Under Standing Order 2231, a member absent for more than four sittings without permission must have the matter referred for determination.”
She further clarified that while Banda’s initial absence, due to his arrest, was acknowledged, his ongoing absence after escaping custody remained unaccounted for.
Meanwhile, regarding the criminal convictions of Pambashe MP Ronald Chitotela and Kawambwa MP Nickson Chilanga, Chisangano declined to revisit the matter. She noted that the issue had already been settled in the House in July and could not be re-tabled.
