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ZAMBIAN security wings have accused PF leader Michael Sata

ZAMBIAN security wings have accused PF leader Michael Sata
By Bright Mukwasa
Thu 04 Aug. 2011, 14:00 CAT

ZAMBIAN security wings have accused PF leader Michael Sata of dragging them into politics.

During a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday at which no questions were taken, Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa said some politicians had insinuated that some members of the defence and security wings were supporting and informing them of what was happening in the various defence and security institutions.

“For example on 29th of July 2011, Mr Sata while speaking on Yatsani Radio insinuated that the defence and security wings were feeding him with information related to political campaigns and elections,” said Lt General Lopa who was flanked by Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commandant Lt Gen Andrew Sakala, Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Major General Anthony Yeta and Zambia Police Inspector General Francis Kabonde.

“These recurring statements are a concern as they stand to disparage the defence and security wings in the eyes of the citizens of Zambia.”

Lt Gen Lopa said the defence and security wings would remain non-partisan and would not be drawn into campaigns for certain individuals to win political mileage.

“It is a well-known fact that once members of the defence and security institutions in democratic dispensation such as ours become politically partisan, these institutions can be divided, a situation that could easily drift the nation into anarchy and negatively affect national security,” he said. ”We wish to remind all politicians currently conducting their campaigns to discuss substantive issues of national development and not those which may take back the long strides achieved in peace, development and democracy that this country has been renown for.”

He called on Zambians to guard the peace saying the Zambia defence and security forces would remain steadfast to protect the Constitution, sovereignty and the citizens.

Lt Gen Lopa warned members of the defence and security against partisan politics.

“We call upon all political stakeholders to desist from drawing the defence and security institutions into their political debates for the betterment of the peace, security and development we enjoy in our nation,” said Lt Gen Lopa.

Labels: ARMED FORCES, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:33 PM