What began as an orderly sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday quickly descended into chaos after the 20-minute tea break, as opposition parliamentarians openly challenged speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila about the manner in which she was conducting proceedings.
Among the members who questioned the speaker’s rulings were Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani, PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, and Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) chief whip Rodrick Likando.
The opposition members were unhappy about what they described as a provocative utterance made by a Swapo parliamentarian.
They argued that the speaker failed to address the matter, as proceedings had already become increasingly disrupted.
“Speaker, you are being very unruly. A member who rises on a point of order should not be disturbed and must be allowed to be heard. But honourable speaker, before we even state our point, you immediately rule us out of order. No, that is not right,” Hengari argued during heated exchanges with Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
The confrontation erupted after finance minister Ericah Shafudah was authorised to table and read a debate speech on behalf of prime minister Elijah Ngurare – a move strongly opposed by opposition parties.
This is not the first time Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has come under fire over the management of parliamentary proceedings. Earlier this month, similar disputes arose over the interpretation and application of standing rules, with the speaker and opposition members frequently clashing during debates.
As disruptions continued and order became increasingly difficult to restore,the speaker adjourned the sitting.
The National Assembly had been debating the petroleum bill before proceedings were suspended until Thursday.
