Itula tells IPC naysayers to ‘put your knives away’

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula has reaffirmed that he will not take up a parliamentary seat under what he deems unconstitutional circumstances.Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Itula stressed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and confirmed that he would not enter parliament to take up the office of the leader of opposition."And citizens of the republic and others sharpening their knives to try and cut the throat of Dr Itula should he merge onto the parliamentary stage... I shall not do so. So put your knives away. I shall never break the laws of this republic. I shall respect the sacrifices made for us to emerge as a democracy in this country," he said. “So that case is closed. No further speculations about whether Dr Itula will ever be coming into parliament in any form whatsoever. We&#039;ve got our 20; it will save the minority vote that was cast by our people," he said.Itula confirmed that none of the 20 IPC members of parliament will take up the role of official opposition leader in the National Assembly. He urged the IPC parliamentarians, who will serve for the next five years, to prioritise integrity, accountability and national service and reminded them of their duty to represent the people who entrusted them with their votes.“You are here to be the voice of the people who trust you. Expectations are high, and you must not falter,” he said.He also reiterated the role of the opposition in a democracy, underlining that it must serve as a check on government power rather than merely seeking to share it.Shadow cabinet To strengthen parliamentary oversight, Itula announced the formation of the IPC&#039;s shadow cabinet.He explained that each minister in the ruling party would be held accountable by an IPC shadow minister.Aloisius Kangulu has been appointed as the defence and veterans affairs shadow minister, with Isra Kanyemba serving as his deputy shadow minister.Imms Nashinge was assigned to lead the home affairs, safety and security shadow ministry, assisted by Vilho Ihemba. Rodney Cloete has been assigned to international relations and trade, while Michael Mwashindange will oversee finance and social grants. The agriculture, fisheries, water,and land reform portfolio will be managed by Michael Mulunga.Bertha Nghifikwa has been entrusted with education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, with Abed Hishoono as deputy. Lilani Brinkman will take charge of health and social services, supported by Borniface Susiku. Ferdinand Hengombe has been appointed to head industrialisation, mines and energy, while Rodrick Likando will oversee environment and tourism.John Louw Mouton will lead the information, communication and technology portfolio, while Lilian Lutuhezi has been tasked with gender and child welfare, with Lucia Mbuti serving as deputy.Nelson Kalangula has been placed in charge of works and transport, whereas Armas Amukoto will head urban and rural development, assisted by Ottilie Haitota. Lastly, Elvis Lizazi has been appointed to lead justice and labour relations.

Itula tells IPC naysayers to ‘put your knives away’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Itula tells IPC naysayers to ‘put your knives away’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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