By Own Correspondent| Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has hit back at the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda following his six sittings suspension saying he is being put under pressure by Zanu PF to act in a dictatorial manner.

Below is Mliswa’s Twitter thread…

1/ Whilst we’re aware I was ejected from Parly & banned for the next 6 sittings, I believe it’s important when one is in office to comply with the very same rules that you have to preside over. When you don’t, it creates anarchy & dictatorial tendencies emerge

2/ I have a great respect for The Speaker but he is often unnecessarily put under pressure by @ZANUPF_Official. As one who has always advised me to have a comprehensive understanding of the Standing Rules and Orders, I have taken this advice to heart & am as such well versed

3/As a legislator, it’s important to understand the rules that govern the institution you belong to as well as the Zim Constitution. I’ve also taken time to consult with one of the most brilliant constitutional minds I know, @BitiTendai. I’m subsequently going to make a decision

4/My decision will be targeted towards ensuring that the independence of the institution remains intact. It will also assist in dispelling the prevailing fear that institutions become personalised. Parly becomes weak if members are compromised. I’m thinking & looking deep into it

5/ So far from what I’ve gleaned, the decision to ban me for 6 sittings should actually have been 4. These are decisions that may seem small in isolation but have the propensity to add up & tarnish an otherwise impeccable character, due to party pressure.

6/ As a former Chairperson, they worked against me to remove me to protect their own. Just because one has the majority, it shouldn’t mean you abuse the advantage; introspection is needed.