The national leadership of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), in consultation with the Otavi local organising committee, resolved to recall its local authority councillor at the Otavi Town Council, citing weak representation on the council.

LPM national spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa in a telephonic interview with this news agency on Tuesday afternoon, said the party agreed to replace Bella Utale after some community members of LPM at Otavi complained about weak representation at the town council.

“We therefore concluded to replace her with Martha Naris, and a letter was already written to Naris and she agreed to take over,” said Simataa.

Naris’ swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place once the Otavi Magistrate’s Court decides on a date.

The other six local authority councillors on the Otavi Town Council are from the Swapo Party with five seats, and one from the Independent Patriots for Change.

Utale on Tuesday told Nampa in an interview that she was informed on 29 August 2023 that Immanuel Matsuib or Martha Naris would replace her.

Utale had been a local authority councillor at the town council since December 2019, representing the LPM.

She said her recall was unfair as she was allegedly accused of being absent from some local organising committee meetings at the town.

“Based on this accusation, I am so disappointed in the leadership of LPM for believing the lies which were made up here at Otavi by those who did not like me,” said Utale.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency