President Sata to sworn-in Taima, Phiri amid protests from MMD

Republican President, Michael Sata is on Tuesday expected to sworn-in two embattled MMD members of Parliament, as deputy Ministers. These are MMD Solwezi East Constituency Member of Parliament, Richard Taima, whose portfolio remains unknown and his Mkaika’s David Phiri, as tourism deputy Minister. This comes at the time when the MMD plans to expel seven of its Members of Parliament (MP) for accepting to serve in the PF government. On Sunday MMD President, Nevers Mumba stormed State house in an attempt to seek clarification from Mr. Sata over his continued appointment of MMD members of Parliament to the PF Government without consulting the party. Both Taima and Phiri have since accepted the presidential appointment defying their party’s directive not to do so. Mr. Taima says his appointment is constitutionally supported, while Phiri justifies his acceptance of his appointment as purely on principle and desire to serve the Zambian people to the best of his ability. The duo contends there is nothing sinister in accepting Presidential appointments because he is not narrow minded like other politicians. The duo spoke to this reporter in a telephone interview.