This morning I had the privileged to attend the presentation of a press release on the political statements directed at the defence and security wings at the Ministry of defence headquarters.
“Those who are supposed to sit should sit while those supposed to stand should do so, no questions because this is just a press statement,” Zambia Army Commander, Wisdom Lopa said at the commencement of the briefing.
Lt. General Lopa delivered the press statement on behalf of the service chiefs, as quoted below:
As the campaigns for the forthcoming tripartite elections gain momentum, it has sadly been observed that some politicians, in the course of their campaigns, have been quoted in particular, in the electronic media insinuating that some members of the defence and security wings are supporting them and informing them on what was happening in the various defence and security institutions eg, on 29 july 2011 a certain political leader while speaking on yatsani radio insinuated that the defence and security wings were feeding him with information related to political campaigning and elections. these recurring statements are of concern as they stand to disparage the defence and security wings in the eyes of the citizenry.
On behalf of the defence and security wings, we wish to categorically state in no uncertain terms, that the defence and security wings shall remain non-partisan and will 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 a 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.
In this regard therefore, 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. We further wish to implore the citizenry to guard the peace that we have enjoyed as anything to the contrary may lead this nation to conflict that will draw us miles back.
We are assuring the nation that the zambia defence and security wings will remain steadfast to protect the constitution, sovereignty and the citizens of this country. we wish to restate that the defence and security wings will not allow to be drawn into politics and call upon various political players to concentrate on their strategies on how to win votes.
To members of the defence and security wings we would like to give a stern warning that whoever is found involved in active partisan politics by way of associating themselves with any political party will be disciplined accordingly. it is clearly stated that if any member of the civil service wants to join politics, they should first resign.
The zambian defence and security wings have for long been associated with high levels of professionalism and integrity in their operations and known to have remained non-partisan since the advent of multi-party democracy in our country. this is as it should be and should continue. we therefore will continue to support the government of the day, the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and pledge to protect the people of zambia. 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.
Thank you very much and may god bless you.
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