Opposition claim exclusion from 'divisive' Hage, Nujoma vigil

Several members of parliament, including representatives of the official opposition, have raised concern over their alleged exclusion from a recent candlelight vigil held in honour of late presidents Hage Geingob and Sam Nujoma at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on Saturday.

The issue was raised in parliament on Tuesday by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) lawmaker Imms Nashinge, who described the absence of an invitation to opposition members as troubling and inconsistent with the spirit of national inclusivity.

Nashinge questioned why opposition members were not invited to an event he characterised as one of national importance.

“I have observed some level of inconsistency, and sometimes the honourable members from the other side of the aisle are seen attending events that seem to be of national importance, but since they are invited through their own groups,” he said.

Nashinge added: “The honourable members of the ruling party went to Heroes’ Acre to do candle lighting in remembrance of the founding president and the third president of the Republic of Namibia. As equal representatives of the people and children of this country, we were not invited. We were not invited.

“I just wanted to understand, is this how it is going to be? Am I correct in my observation that something is not okay? What is going on?”

He further questioned whether public funds were used for the event.

“Your attendance was definitely at the cost of the taxpayers at that event, if not, correct me. So, really, I truly feel there is something that needs to be done.

“The President [Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah] here, on Tuesday, made a very strong statement that when it comes to the national interest, we must always forget our partisan affairs and truly be one servant of the people of this country. What is going on?” Nashinge asked.

Who attended the vigil

According to protocol, the candle-lighting ceremony was attended by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice-President Lucia Witbooi, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, and National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

Also present were Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa, ministers and deputy ministers, members of the Nujoma family, and Madam Monica Geingos, Namibia’s third first lady, accompanied by members of the Geingob family.

Other attendees included former labour minister Utoni Nujoma; chairperson of the Dr Hage G. Geingob Presidential Centre, Peter Katjavivi; vice-chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana; Secretary to Cabinet Emilia Mkusa; Khomas regional governor Sam Nujoma; City of Windhoek mayor Sakaria Uunona; as well as members of the Cabinet Secretariat and some members of parliament.

LPM echoes criticism

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) parliamentarian Eneas Emvula told Namibian Sun yesterday that his party had likewise not received an invitation.

“We must realise that this was a partisan-based event. Hence, no member of the opposition was present, from what I deduced,” he said.

“As much as the two late Presidents were respected as national leaders, the duo equally spoke a lot about inclusivity and nurtured the common approach to the best of their ability. It is unfortunate that the current leadership sees such a legacy irrelevant to its national priorities and style of governance.”

Emvula described the situation as divisive.

“This autocratic move is visibly starting to erode the wider public trust at large. It is divisive and a regrettable development, to say the least.

“Until such a time that Swapo informs the public that this and other public national events were and are not financed with public funds — in a multi-party state — the matter of accountable governance would remain questionable,” he added.

Govt responds

When approached for comment, Presidency spokesperson Jonas Mbambo referred queries to Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkusa.

Mkusa said no invitations were issued to anyone.

She explained that invitations are not sent for burials and memorials, as such events are open to the public, including national commemorations.