By Vusumuzi Sifile
THE MDC formation led by Arthur Mutambara yesterday suspended its spokesperson, Gabriel Chaibva, from the party for attending President Robert Mugabe’s inauguration and openly supporting the ageing leader’s highly disputed re-election nine days ago.
The suspension is the party leadership’s second blow to Chaibva within a week, after relieving him of his duties as spokesperson on Monday.
In a statement, the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Edwin Mushoriwa said: "MDC wishes to advise that its National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Lyson Mlambo has suspended the former spokesperson of the party, Gabriel Chaibva, from the membership of the party with immediate effect, pending appearance before the National Disciplinary Committee on charges of conduct likely to bring the party into disrepute."
Last Sunday, Chaibva attended Mugabe’s inauguration at State House and later told journalists that the two MDCs had to recognize Mugabe as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe.
The party immediately distanced itself from Chaibva’s remarks and the following day relieved him of his duties as party spokesperson. The fallout worsened two days later when Chaibva attended the burial of Lloyd Gundu at Heroes’ Acre.
In an interview on Friday, Chaibva said his actions were part of efforts to "build bridges" between Zanu PF and the MDC. He said the crisis in Zimbabwe now required leaders to "make unpopular decisions popular".
"It’s called building bridges. . .I have provided an opportunity for dialogue," Chaibva said.
On his party leadership’s decision to relieve him of his duties, Chaibva said he would soon bounce back in the same position: "I am still a member of the MDC. The leadership did what is constitutionally possible for them. I am now free to air my own views … I foresee myself getting back to my position."
Chaibva’s appearance at the inauguration and Heroes’ Acre have also fuelled rumours that following his trouncing during two parliamentary bids in Budiriro and Sunningdale, and his party’s poor performance in the March elections, Chaibva could eventually re-join Zanu PF. He is a former member of the party’s youth wing.
Chaibva dismissed the speculation.
"I am the longest-serving opposition leader in Zimbabwe. I am a committed opponent of Zanu PF with an impeccable record. . .," he said. "Let those who accuse me of being Zanu PF not think they are giving me a heavy tag."
Published in The Standard on 6 July 2008
THE MDC formation led by Arthur Mutambara yesterday suspended its spokesperson, Gabriel Chaibva, from the party for attending President Robert Mugabe’s inauguration and openly supporting the ageing leader’s highly disputed re-election nine days ago.
The suspension is the party leadership’s second blow to Chaibva within a week, after relieving him of his duties as spokesperson on Monday.
In a statement, the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Edwin Mushoriwa said: "MDC wishes to advise that its National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Lyson Mlambo has suspended the former spokesperson of the party, Gabriel Chaibva, from the membership of the party with immediate effect, pending appearance before the National Disciplinary Committee on charges of conduct likely to bring the party into disrepute."
Last Sunday, Chaibva attended Mugabe’s inauguration at State House and later told journalists that the two MDCs had to recognize Mugabe as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe.
The party immediately distanced itself from Chaibva’s remarks and the following day relieved him of his duties as party spokesperson. The fallout worsened two days later when Chaibva attended the burial of Lloyd Gundu at Heroes’ Acre.
In an interview on Friday, Chaibva said his actions were part of efforts to "build bridges" between Zanu PF and the MDC. He said the crisis in Zimbabwe now required leaders to "make unpopular decisions popular".
"It’s called building bridges. . .I have provided an opportunity for dialogue," Chaibva said.
On his party leadership’s decision to relieve him of his duties, Chaibva said he would soon bounce back in the same position: "I am still a member of the MDC. The leadership did what is constitutionally possible for them. I am now free to air my own views … I foresee myself getting back to my position."
Chaibva’s appearance at the inauguration and Heroes’ Acre have also fuelled rumours that following his trouncing during two parliamentary bids in Budiriro and Sunningdale, and his party’s poor performance in the March elections, Chaibva could eventually re-join Zanu PF. He is a former member of the party’s youth wing.
Chaibva dismissed the speculation.
"I am the longest-serving opposition leader in Zimbabwe. I am a committed opponent of Zanu PF with an impeccable record. . .," he said. "Let those who accuse me of being Zanu PF not think they are giving me a heavy tag."
Published in The Standard on 6 July 2008
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