By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek Swapo Party MP, Ben Amathila, said it is only party president, Dr Sam Nujoma, who can restore stability within the ruling party in order to preserve the peace in the country. Delivering his farewell speech in Parliament yesterday, Amathila said he is convinced that at this point in time, it is only Nujoma who can restore the situation in the party that he led to great successes up to now. “I expect Nujoma, as Father of the Nation, to treat everyone as a father would do and every citizen to accord him recognition and respect for what he has done for the country,” said Amathila. He warned that Namibians should not allow the Swapo Party to fall to pieces because this will put Namibia, a shining star, “on the long list of one of the African countries”. “Swapo’s insecurity or instability will be Namibia’s insecurity.” The soft-spoken MP said Swapo Party and Nujoma have done a lot to bring the country where it is today through the sacrifices of Namibian sons and daughters. He noted that the Swapo Party has the responsibility to run the country well and instil hope where fear and security prevail. The retiring MP said the country has managed the post-independence process well and can boast of 17 years of peace and political stability. He charged that in his view, hope and security were cardinal in achieving stability. The former Minister of Trade and Industry said without financial security, there is no food or shelter security and anybody in that position will be tempted to do the wrong things in order to get food or shelter. He warned that there are thousands of Namibians who need their insecurities to become securities. “To provide that security to the unemployed, poorly-educated or trained is a must that cannot be postponed any longer, no matter how expensive it may sound.” Amathila said human beings are only human as long as their security is provided for, otherwise they act like trapped animals when their security is threatened. “A person who is well-provided with all forms of security is more tolerant and understanding of those points of view.” Various parliamentarians bid farewell to Amathila. Nora Schimming-Chase of the Congress of Democrats who referred to him as “Boetie Ben” said he conducted himself in a dignified manner both in Parliament and at the parliamentary committees. “We will miss his patience and his sense of humour.” She wished Amathila well in his future endeavours and said she will always remember his love for chocolate and nature. Swapo MP, Hidipo Hamutenya, described Amathila as a quiet man who always stayed away from unnecessary provocation. “He is Mr Nice Guy and a quiet man and sometimes too quiet.” Hamutenya who replaced Amathila at the Ministry of Trade further noted, Amathila is a man of history and wished him well in his future plans. The Prime Minister, Nahas Angula, said Amathila has been an icon for the Namibian struggle and one of his mentors and leader. He described Amathila as a man with great patience, who is always willing to negotiate to find consensus. The Premier said Namibians should always guard against confusion and misunderstanding. Amathila (69) said he would remain a member of the Politburo and Central Committee. He will concentrate on farming and writing an autobiography.