By Conrad Mwango
Historian Bizeck Phiri has advised Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti and some Opposition Members of Parliament contesting her decision to give Petauke Central Member Of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda 7 days in which to reclaim his seat to prove their positions.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Professor Phiri has challenged both parties to prove on what ground their decisions are based, as a way to resolve the matter. 
On Tuesday this week, the speaker gave Mr. Banda up to November 26th to report to the house, failure to which his seat will be declared vacant, but some opposition MPs have petitioned her to reverse the decision or be taken to court.
Professor Phiri however notes that the Petauke MP’s continued absentia from the house is also disadvantaging the electorate in petauke and that if this persists, his replacement becomes inevitable.
He says there is also need for the speaker to prove that the independence of the national assembly has not been subdued by external influence as is being insinuated by some sections of society.
PHOENIX NEWS
