BNF President Duma Boko who had moved swiftly to save Ntuane from being deposed as leader of opposition in parliament a few months ago through the formation of an opposition coalition project also known as the Umbrella said : “ There is no need for the Umbrella members to  panic because Ntuane has simply returned to where he belongs.”

BNF President: Duma Boko

“We have lost members from various parties before and survived. Remember the BMD and the BNF alongside the BPP (Botswana People’s Party) are engaged in a revolutionary process. They seek to transform the political landscape of this country and that is bound to be a challenge to some. The Umbrella cannot be shaken by anything at all.”

BMD Chairperson, Nehemiah Modubule, said: “Ntuane did not  mention to us the reason for his resignation but we respect his decision.

Meanwhile we shall forge ahead with the Umbrella project.”Refuting allegations that MPs who resigned from the BDP  were likely to stay with the BMD only because  going back would

BMD CHAIR PERSON: Nehemiah Modubule

be  tantamount to political suicide as they would be forced to wait at least two years before contesting for elections as per the BDP party rules and regulations, BMD Deputy Secretary General, Gilbert Mangole argued that it was unfair to conclude that all the remaining MPS stayed with the party simply because they were stuck.

He said: “I was one of the MPs who were expelled from the BDP and that condition would not apply to me if I were to go back so  why am I not going back? People will always find excuses to attack us. We are in this together and we are looking forward to launching the Umbrella.”Such Mps who could not be reached for a comment include Wynter Mmolotsi of Francistown South, Gilbert Mangole of Kgatleng East, Odirile Motlhale of South East South, and Tawana Moremi of Maun West Commenting on his differences with Ntuane which allegedly ended up with a stand- off between the President and his deputy Motswaledi said: “ We differed  on certain points but we can’t call that fighting. BMD should not hold grudges and refrain from mudslinging politics.

BCP PUBLICITY SECRETARY: Taolo Lucas

We should simply appreciate Ntuane’s contribution in opposition politics and show him the respect that he deserves as a family man and a member of Parliament. He served as a sign post in the right direction and once you have been pointed in the right direction, the removal of that sign post by someone should not change the direction of your destination.”

BCP publicity Secretary General, Taolo Lucas said that “The defection could compromise the competitiveness of the Umbrella in the next General elections. The implication could be that the viability of BMD as a political project maybe in doubt when the founding members jump-ship even before the test of a general election.”

duma boko