By Chisomo Phiri
A heated debate in Parliament turned chaotic on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a 30-minute suspension of proceedings.
The commotion erupted when Member of Parliament (MP ) for Salima South, Christopher Manja,defied Second Deputy Speaker Aisha Adams’ order to vacate the chamber.
The tension began to escalate when Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda took issue with Sameer Suleman’s statement that President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) contained inaccurate information.
Banda threatened to ‘cross a red line’if Suleman did not retract his statement, prompting MPs from both sides to rush to the center, daring each other to take action.
In the midst of the chaos, Manja removed his jacket, appearing to prepare for a physical confrontation.
This gesture angered Adams, who invoked Standing Order 105 to expel Manja from the House.
However, Manja refused to comply with the order.
