By: Kelvin Chiringa
The All People’s Party (APP) has finally issued an official response regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of their leader, Ignatius Shixwameni, which they have described as shocking.
Shixwameni collapsed and passed away while attending a parliamentary committee meeting with reports that an ambulance took time to arrive on the scene.
The APP expressed its collective feeling at the weekend when the leaders met at Okahandja to put their deputy president, Nangolo Shuumbwa, as a replacement for Shixwameni.
“We have received and taken the news on how the situation unfolded at Parliament leading to the passing-on of our Party President with disbelief, shock and disappointment. As an institution mandated with legislative powers, the party is dismayed that there is no provision at Parliament for emergency response. A call for response would take more than 40 minutes, putting our lawmakers in danger.
“The party’s leadership believes that the Party President succumbed on the premises of Parliament due to this negligent situation. The matter, if not addressed, puts others at risk, and the party leadership is thus requesting the office of the Speaker to inform this nation as to how an institution of this magnitude can operate without basic first aid services,” said the party.
The APP National Bureau deliberated and confirmed Shuumbwa’s presidency as Article 5 of the party constitution.
They said the decision is effective immediately.
The National Bureau also deliberated and endorsed, subject to CCC approval, the Secretary for International Relations and Presidential Affairs in the Presidency to be headed by Agapitus Hausiku to assist Shuumbwa.
“The National Bureau deliberated and confirmed subjecting the party to the Gazetted Parliament list. This means Mrs Maria Kamutali, no. 3, will replace our late Party President. Preparations regarding this matter will be done in due course through the office of the Speaker.
“The National Bureau calls for collective leadership and teamwork to ensure that the party is steered in the right direction. This will only be achieved through a dedicated team of cadres committed to serving the party selflessly at every party’s structure. Mobilization of structures in regions at constituency levels and the wings should be prioritized as of next year in preparation for the 2024 National Congress and National Elections,” said APP.
In the meantime, the party expressed its appreciation to President Hage Geingob for having accorded the honour of a State Funeral to Shixwameni.
“The party, however, expresses dissatisfaction and disappointment in how state protocol conducted themselves where the party leadership and members were not treated in a dignified manner,” said APP.