Combative Nkaigwa survives to fight another day
Setshego Gaobolwe | Thursday June 26, 2014 14:46
“If there is any person who feels the need to disrespect me, I might be forced to show my true colours, but I don’t want to do that as it might not be a pretty scene,” the mayor warned those who heckled him during his address. Nkaigwa took to the stand to tell councillors that he was fed up with being disrespected. He demanded that he should be allowed to chair the council meeting and carry out his duties.
“As long as I am still a mayor of this city, I will need all of you to respect and listen when I talk. I wont let anyone disrespect me,” he warned.
The agitated mayor was irked by the side remarks from councillors who constantly interrupted his speech. He lashed out at councillors and told them to respect his authority and other people’s opinions.
The tense situation was not helped by remarks made by Veronica Lesole who was ousted from the mayor’s seat by Nkaigwa three years ago. “Nna ga re battle magodu, golo fa madi a a jewa,” she shouted.
A visibly emotional Nkaigwa said it was unfortunate that councillors continue to waste time bringing up side issues that are irrelevant to his speech or the day’s agenda.
The deputy mayor, Florence Shagwa came to her boss’s rescue calling on councillors to order and telling them to respect each other and stop behaving like children.
“Some of your behaviour is uncalled for, learn to listen to each other more so that we are mature people sent here to speak and look after the public interest,” she said.
She reminded the councillors that they should show seriousness when it comes to matters of public interest.
As the full council meeting enters its fourth day this morning, it remains to be seen if the motion of no confidence to oust the mayor following allegations of corruption will see the light of day. The motion was supposed to be moved on Monday.