Namibian parliamentarians urged to be orderly

Namibia's President Hage Geingob has urged parliamentarians to be orderly and demonstrate honesty and commitment in 2017.

Speaking during the official opening of the fifth session of the sixth parliament Tuesday in Windhoek, Geingob called on the parliamentarians to rededicate themselves to maintaining a quorum in order to uphold the electorate's interests.

"The tabling, and subsequent passing of Bills during the upcoming year will depend on our ability and commitment towards remaining united and holding hands, across all political affiliations and across the three Organs of State; the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary," he said.

Geingob said the parliamentarians must be cognizant of the reality facing the country amid the current economic headwinds, saying that their work this year was cut out for them.

"The task may be daunting, but Namibia is not called the Land of the Brave for nothing. We have been elected to deliver on a promise of a better future and it is a promise we cannot rescind no matter what challenges we face," he said.

Geingob described the presence of Namibia's former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba at the opening as a unique legacy.

"It is a unique situation anywhere in the world to see a sitting President and former Presidents regularly attending events together," he said, adding that when they travelled to Havana, Cuba, last year to attend the memorial of Fidel Castro many leaders and dignitaries from other countries remarked at the uniqueness of the unity between the three.

"It is a Namibian legacy; a legacy born in the blood, sweat and tears of struggle and a legacy which will culminate in the realization of a peaceful, united and prosperous Namibia. Let us therefore value it, appreciate it, cherish it and protect it," he said. Endit