The First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Attractor Chisangano, on Friday declared Nkana Independent Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu out of order after he referred to Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri as “abene bansala”.
The incident occurred during deliberations on a Ministerial Statement regarding preparations for the 2025/2026 farming season. Mpundu, while seeking clarification, prefaced his question by addressing Phiri with the phrase, which loosely translates to a dismissive or derogatory remark.
This prompted Katombola MP Clement Andeleke to immediately raise a point of order, questioning whether it was proper for Mpundu to use such language—especially given the country’s recent record-breaking bumper harvest under the minister’s watch.
In her ruling, Chisangano upheld the point of order, cautioning members to maintain decorum and avoid disparaging remarks while addressing colleagues on the floor of the House.
