“DO NOT JUDGE ME BASED ON MY PREDECESSORS, JAY JAY BANDA” — PETAUKE CENTRAL MP
Newly elected Petauke Central Member of Parliament Hon. Pauline Lyaliwe Banda has appealed to the National Assembly to assess her leadership independently, urging fellow lawmakers not to judge her by the reputations of her predecessors, Dora Siliya and her brother, Emmanuel Jay Banda.
In her maiden speech in Parliament yesterday, Banda asked the House to judge her solely on her record, conduct, and commitment to addressing Petauke’s needs.
“Madam Speaker, as I assume this responsibility, I respectfully ask to be recognised as Pauline, an individual with her own convictions, aspirations, and vision,” she told the House.
While acknowledging the contributions of past representatives, including Siliya, Simon Banda, and her brother Jay Jay, she emphasised that she intends to serve on her own merits.
“I have not come to settle scores or engage in divisive politics, but to represent the people diligently and fulfill the mandate entrusted to me,” Banda said.
Her remarks follow recent political tensions in Eastern Province.
Lyson Nyirenda, the provincial UPND Youth Chairperson, recently publicly proposed barring Banda from attending parliamentary sessions because of the actions of Jay Jay, who is currently in police custody following his escape two years ago.
Nyirenda said that, while in exile, Jay Jay allegedly demeaned and threatened President Hakainde Hichilema.
Banda made it clear, however, that she is not her predecessors.
Turning to development issues, Banda noted that Petauke Central has significant potential to contribute to national development, although critical infrastructure challenges remain.
Among her foremost concerns, Banda cited residents’ access to clean and safe water. High calcium levels in the water supply continue to cause pipe blockages.