Paul Nyathi|Douglas Mwonzora has challenged MDC National Vice Chairman and Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala to take the first step and vacate his parliamentary seat immediately if he is serious about the party MPs resigning from parliament.

Last week, Sikhala, indicated that all MDC MPs would leave Parliament in solidarity with Charlton Hwende, Prosper Mutseyami, Tabitha Khumalo and Midlands Senator Lilian Timveous, who were recently recalled from the houses by Mwonzora.

In an interview with state media, Mwonzora accused Sikhala of grandstanding.

“If he (Sikhala) is serious and genuine about leaving Parliament he should set an example and resign first. The fact that he has not done so shows that he is not serious. I don’t take him seriously.”

He said most sitting MDC legislators have since advised him that they are not willing to heed Sikhala’s call.

“That threat to withdraw is coming from people who no longer have control over the MPs.

The issue on who has control over MPs was resolved first by the Supreme Court and secondly by Parliament itself when these two institutions recognised us as the leadership of the MPs of the MDC-T.

“We have since advised our MPs that they must ignore that call. It amounts to short-changing the electorate because MPs were elected to serve.”