Chamisa made a rushed decision to quit CCC: Matinenga

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Eric Matinenga, a former Constitutional Affairs Minister, accused Nelson Chamisa of making a rushed decision to leave the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Matinenga’s carefully worded statement fell short of dismissing the decision as irrational.

In a statement circulating on social media the respected law eagle, suggested that Chamisa should have consulted key stakeholders and the public before making such a move.

Matinenga proposed that MPs and Senators write a joint letter to dissociate themselves from the “fictitious” Sengezo Tshabangu-led CCC.

He said:

I am advised, which advice I accept, that Nelson Chamisa was placed in such a suffocating environment that he had to conduct himself in the manner/way he did.

I give him the benefit of the doubt.

I am unable to provide detailed facts which informed that advice.

Am sure there are people who are better able to do so, if they so wish.

In my view however, the decision (for Nelson Chamisa to quit CCC) was a rushed one.

There was need to consult and get the buy in of relevant critical stakeholders. Ideally, the citizenry should have been consulted, a consultation which could not be carried out in the limited suffocating circumstances.

There are certain stakeholders and issues which must be addressed now if they were not addressed at the time the decision to remove oneself from CCC.

Parliament sits on Monday, there is time before Monday for Nelson Chamisa to meet the true CCC members, interrogate issues in a no-holds-barred manner and come to a common way forward.

I am aware that certain MPs have indicated their respective courses of action.

My suggestion is that all MPs and Senators address a joint letter to the Speaker of Parliament and President of the Senate dissociating themselves from the fictitious Sengezo Tshabangu CCC and identifying their leader of the house.

Chamisa must do a supporting letter and dare Tshabangu to recall the MPs.

If recalled, they should not contest the recalls.

There are cases before the courts challenging recalls in one way or the other.

Instructions must be withdrawn so that they are not argued when called. The by-elections on 3 February must be forgotten.

However, Peter Gift Mutasa, former President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, disagreed with the joint approach, stating that Chamisa had given each member the freedom to choose their stance. Ibbo D Mandaza, an academic, supported Matinenga’s views. Some argued that Chamisa’s decision was influenced by the challenging political environment he faced.

Some CCC Members of Parliament (MPs) have since announced their withdrawal from Parliament and pledged to support Nelson Chamisa who is expected to launch a new political party.