BDP vows to reclaim GCC mayoral chain

Briefing the media on the standoff at the city council, nominated councillor Rupert Hambira stressed yesterday that the BDP would not take part in any GCC deliberations until the mayor resigns.The ruling BDP wants the mayor, Haskins Nkaigwa, to step down because the opposition is no longer in the majority.However, the mayor is adamant that he would not quit because that would contravene the Local Government Act.

BDP has 18 councillors while the opposition has 17. BDP's number increased following Village Ward councillor Seabelo Thekiso's defection to the ruling party. The standoff at the GCC started when Hambira tabled a motion that called for the toppling of the council leadership.When tabling the motion, he said given the fact that the current leadership of the GCC had lost majority status, they should resign their positions with immediate effect so the council could elect new leaders.