Nelly Mutti, the Speaker of the National Assembly, advice Matero MP Miles Sampa to avoid causing confusion during the parliamentary session

This rebuke came when Sampa questioned Vice President Mutale Nalumango about whether President Hakainde Hichilema would respect the Lungu family’s wish for him not to attend the state funeral.

In her response, Speaker Mutti urged Parliament members to refrain from politicizing the mourning period and to show restraint during this sensitive time.

She shared her own sorrow, recalling her close professional relationship with the late president.

“The late President Lungu was a good friend of mine. We worked as colleagues on legal cases.

The pain you feel is no greater than my own. Let’s not compare who is more grieving,” she stated.

Mutti also challenged Sampa’s behavior, stating that using a national mourning period to create controversy was unacceptable.

“Nobody feels joy after a death. We all experience loss at some point. Honourable Member for Matero, you’ve faced loss too, like when your uncle, the late President [Michael] Sata, passed away.

Would you have welcomed confusion during his funeral?”

Her remarks followed Sampa’s inquiry about the President’s attendance at the state funeral.

Vice President Nalumango reminded everyone that a state funeral inherently involves the sitting Head of State and called for unity during this time of national mourning.

In conclusion, Speaker Mutti advised MPs to focus on maintaining dignity during the funeral period and to avoid actions that could escalate public emotions.