Opposition United Party for National Development Kalabo Member of Parliament Chinga Miyutu has resigned his deputy ministerial position in the Patriotic Front government.

And Patriotic Front Southern Province political secretary Brian Hapunda has been relieved of his duties.

Miyutu who was serving as deputy minister of sports seems to have been shaken by the prospect of expulsion and subsequently losing his seat opted to give up his government job.

The Kalabo lawmaker said his decision was with immediate effect and that he would concentrate on his parliamentary role.

In the last round of by-elections the opposition triumphed in three of four by-elections and MPs are thinking twice about defecting as they are not guaranteed of victory.

And Hapunda who has since being shunted to Southern Province has been fired although he claimed ignorance on the matter.

Hapunda has been sacked for allegedly conning high profile businessmen of access to State House and government contracts.