Former Army commander apologises to President Sata
Former Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa
A former Army commander has apologised to president Sata for calling on him to desist from involving the defence forces in politics during the run-up to the September 20 tripartite polls.
Lt. Gen. Wisdom Lopa says he inadvertently mentioned President Sata’s name and has apologised on behalf of the former service chiefs.
General Lopa had called on Mr. Sata as an opposition leader then to desist from involving the Defence force into politics because they support the government of the day.
Gen. Lopa made the apology during his colourful Farewell Parade where he transferred the instruments of power to Army Commander Lt Gen. Paul Mihova at Arackan Barracks in Lusaka on Monday.
He apologised for the embarrassment the remarks may have caused president Sata.
And General Lopa has advised the Defence force to have a need to acquire knowledge because the Army must be in step with Modern Technology and Equipment.
He also paid tribute to the Army Commander and his Deputy for their well deserved appointments.
And Army Commander Lt. Gen. Mihova hailed General Lopa for his great contribution to the Army and his 40 years of gallant service.
And Army Chaplain Lieutenant Vincent Mweya commended General Lopa for the sacrifice he made to the Zambia Army.
[ZNBC]
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Thank you very much you retired “soldier” who behaved like a cadre.
Musalu wali pesamba
Apologized, Why? I don’t get it. Because Sata is now president? nawawo
You are forgiven, go in peace!
Good to hear that ba General the bemba`s say “Okosulile ekopa noko”.Good that you now know better.
you have realized that now he is pursuing corrupt chaps and want to make peace with him. RB fooled everyone to worship him.
Zambia Army Commander General Isaac Chisuzi has threatened to dismiss army officers who will be seen involving themselves in partisan politics.
General Chisuzi says army officers who will be seen indulging themselves in partisan politics will be instantly dismissed.
He explained that the command does not allow defence forces to engage themselves in partisan politics.
” Inadvertently mentioned Satas name ” does not sound like a sincere apology to me – there appears to be some reservation. This is just another useless job-seeking party cadre who doesn’t even know when to shut up or worse, give an honest apology.
Being foolish if you are a teenager (making a home made porn movie?) is forgivable. Being foolish in adulthood and making half-hearted apologies is even worse.
Suppose Sata never became president???
Yes he must apologise if he is stupid to think that he needs to apologise. What is he apologising for? He was right what he said then. Both opposition and ruling party should not be involving security forces in their political shenanigans or activities. But if Lopa is such and ***** to aopologise then he must apologise to the president and then to the rest of us for making us believe that he was an intelligent commander when actually he is not. What a bunkum! And this is the guy who is supposed to have been responsible for defending Zambia’s borders!! But Zambia!…no, mwe!
is Sata God or Human Being.whatever happened when was in opposition was fine,why why apologize why
Good move on the apology no one says he is wrong without a mistake
There is nothing to be apologetic about – The army chief was in order to make such a statement then…
I am also at loss, what the heck is he apologizing for? Was it true they were passing information to the opposition?
No need to apologize sir,what you said was true- politicians should not involve defense forces in politics.Thank you for your service.
Here we go again treating presidents as if they are kings. This is what causes our leaders to become big headed and causes them to start treating Zambians as if we are their servants or subjects. During elections all manner of things are said about politicians, it is obviously bad that our army leaders are political but does that mean that everyone should apologise for all said in an election just because you want to suck up to a new president. Our leaders are not kings and we should not be treating them as such. As one can already see the president has too much power and we need to have that power reduce and to ensure parliament is give more power to provide checks and balances, a constitutional court would also be a great idea as it will help keep politicians in check.
Now you can sense what is going on in the country. Kumulu lesa panshi ni cobra
Guys wondering y this guys is apologizing..Sata is now commander in Chief..it just make sence to issue a public apology…besides zed is too small and employment opportunities for a solder are skinny…so Lopa may be be looking for work from Sata..diplomatic oppmt in ethiopia or lebanon will do for Lopa……
he could have done this in privite
You army chaps should be grateful of Sata as won’t be embarrassing the service by wearing full army kit like fart RB with his teenage wife on his arm!!
This is the last thing a genaral can do,especially the discipline you undergo,apologise for what? my foot.Does he know that the ground he is stepping on- mother Zamabia, belongs to him and not borrowed from politicians.So a general can have such fear that the ground will be romoved from him by SATA,sure!
better late than never!!the wise will recognise your apology sir!
Where is the Wisdom Ba Lopa? Are you saying it is now okay for defence forces to engage in politics or for opposition to involve the defence forces in politics? Why was it wrong then and not now? What a cowardly comander, no wonder you are out, you are the same-ones who misled RB. MCS no postings for such please, let him retire 40 years service is more than enough, give chance to others even in foreign service.
Aoplogize for what? I really dont get it. What the General said was correct, army and any other security wings should not be involved in politics. Shame on you Lopa. There must be something you did and you are now running scared,. May be involved in arms procurement scandal?
The general is apologising for INADVERTENTLY mentioning Sata’s name. This means he stands by his statement of cautioning politicians from dragging the army into partisan politics because it can lead to anarchy. He is apologising because instead of just issuing his statement in a general manner as a professional army commander should have, he regrets he mentioned Sata’s name. So the statement came out as if it was directed at sata only. Of course it was, but he should have been professional enough to respect a presidential candidate as a possible commander in chief and avoid putting his name in disrepute. So the general is being very professional; give him credit.
I think you are right. Very right
Spineless whimp! Sebana wikute apapene.
#24 u rite…as matter of fact, all opposition leader including are regarded as VIP from GRZ perspective…So Lopa errered and hence an apology is ok…
this has costed us development, failure to appreciate limits. There was nothing wrong in the statement he passed on about politics and service men and women. There is no need to apologize at all. Unless if he is implying in the next general elections the defence forces should involve themselves… which is sad if that is what he implies.
The General is right in apologizing guys. His training calls for it. He is not like some of these loud mouthed characters calling him names. To rise to that position, General Lopa is one of those patriotic and brave Zambians. I salute him. I m sure he has retired with honor.
Rules of engangement1.never say sorry2.dont mention.sir wat are apologising for I embarassed shame.
Why should Sata not involve him, Lopa was already involved into politics. Its alleged that him and other security chiefs were instrumental in rigging for Mwanawasa and RB. So why cry foul when you are mentioned in the politica arena
Lopa is a shameless spineless jackal! With soldiers like this one, imagine if Angola decided to invade Zambia during Chiluba’s reign for gun-running for diamonds? We would have fallen in a matter of days. And the saddest thing about all this is what the man said was correct, so what apart from “tompholoha u lanyuke wa kanyikuta” is this man trying to prove. Such stinking toilet acrobatics coming from the whole entire general are wholly unacceptable. This was as embarrassing as Tetambashimba thanking Banda for making him minister, giving him a state funeral and to show gratitude, santa klauzing James Banda with awsome Toyota wheels, posthumously. Bukuba bwa linja ze bwa nunka wa mwana sipulumununka!
The resulted of people sitting behind a desk for a very long time. Involving defence forces in politics was wrong then, still is and will always be particularly in democratic nations like ours. What is this so called General apologising for? Am not a military guy but I would suppose this guy can not compare with the likes of Nobby Simbeye, Chinkuli, Masheke and Miyanda.
Why are you apologising for doing the right thing. No wonder you were fired.
Ba lopa you were thinking paziko its you, kumwamba nilesa ka
mwalesamwa boss,remember last year on DEC 2010 what happened
recruitment with corruption uzachiona.
There is nothing wrong in what he said. Politicians are too vindictive and thats the fear the general has
There no need of apolojising,the statement was ok…service men should not be invoved in active politics but serve the govnm of the day.NOW THIS IS BOOT LIKIN!
That was unwise apology from Gen Wisdom Lopa. The warning he gave at that time was right and timely coz involving soldiers in partsan politics can breed confusion in the armed forces. They are the to ensure there is peace and serve the govt of the day. As simple as that. The guy is seeking a diplomatic job just wait and see.
I thought news was when a man bites a dog’s butt but not when a man’s butt is beaten by a dog.
What has gotten into lopa’s head, why does he have ti apologise, how can you apologise for saying the right thing. sata is not God,
Why are you apologizing for doing the right thing. Awe ine nadabwa ba General!!! What you said at that time was double correct naimwe alaa
@35 Chills, if as you put it “Politicians are vindictive andthats the fear the General has right now” then I think he is not fit to be a General. For goodness sake, this guy is apologising for saying the right thing. I wonder if he can have courage to stand and face repercussions for misdeeds.
Thats what you get when you politicize the army.My thinking is that it will happen again in 2016.we need to drift from this.I couldnt join the army in 1986 coz of corruption,nepotism and unprofessionalism.A friend i went with for interviews was picked and told me that it was sealed the previous night within the family.You can imagine how shocked i was.This friend is now a senior officer.Thats the Zambia army/airforce.GOD BLESS ZAMBIA.
Wht’s he apologising for,what he said was right,all politicians should not drag the defence forces into politics,that’s just common sense and universal practice so now the General is being silly and a coward,probably seeking employment.
Why r u apologizing?
What the General said was not wrong. The army should not be involved in politics. To apologise nibukuwefye!
Great – it seems there are few things Mr. Sata enjoys more than a good apology so he must be a very happy man tonight. What a day for the nation. What a day for Zambia!
@#45 Champ. You are a Chump or Chimp! I think Chimp suits you better.
Thanks, dude! That means a lot coming from you.
And what kind of soldier is Lopa? Apologising for saying the truth?? Chipuba umu soldier uyu chi colour. Infact, he is an embarasment to the army now that he has apologizd
i simply can’t get my head around this apology…. english being a second language, i suspect the general used apology for want of a better term
This general is an *****
Does that mean that the army can now be partisan? Yaba! We are in for it, imagine what a pf army will do to the Zambian populace?
Surely you are a ****. What is wrong with the statement you made that politicians are not supposed to involve military whether serving or retired.
It is true they are not supposed to be there. The disclipline is noble. You have no spine. You are a very useless man. You hope to be appointed in foreign service. Poverty makes one a VERY BIG ****. How a big general can do that. Yes general McChryistall or whichever in America blundered when a made an embarrassing statement in Afghinistan.
We do not need to insult you. But that is what you want. YOU ARE A VERY BIG ****..
I think you need to be beaten for your undeserved apology. What is there plz educate us of the mistake you made. Perhaps we will understand you.
There’s something am missing here; Is the Lt.Gen apologising for asking Mr.MC Sata(then opposition leader) not to bring the defence forces into politics or something he said behind the scenes? But ka apology aka kabufi maybe nika retirement package balezembaika. Anyways they say never insult the crocs bfore you cross a river.
Zwaaaaaaap!!!!!!!!
LT you missed the real new Mr.Sata last night drove himself without security going to Manda Hill Mall to buy KFC chicken Ladies and Gentlemen that is News
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The fired Army Commander must shut up. It is high time the Govt appointed professional men to run the Military. General Lopa knows too well that Army Officers the world over must not be potilicized, just as politicians are not supposed to meddle into politics. Whose necks then is General Lopa placing on the chopping bay? The man is just begging for a new job. He gave an embarrassing statement at the occasion when he should have bed farewell in good faith.
The one who drew Army Commanders into partisan politics was Gen CHISUZI with his nepotistic style of command during the nepotistic regime of Levy PM. By the way, his Military Assistant is the current Commander and I am sure you know of how offices are being appointed on tribal lines. Mihova is the WORST tribalist of a Commander ! :o
To be honest, Ba Lopa was a good commander this not this ka short one we have o. You know how short people behave ! Like was written on tumfweko dot com, this Miova is a TRIBALIST uwa kamamo mamenshi ! And its like he isnt hapy that PF won and HH lost thats why together with his Tonga deputy, the have embarked on Chisuzi-era style of eting their anger. Silngwe (Northern), Charlie Bux(Eastern) and Inyambo(Western) have within this very short period being ‘bruised’ on very flimsy grounds ! We all know how people have been elevated some not on merit (Hakaningi, Mumbichi, Ikowa, Wanki etc) but coz the buggers are either Luvale or Tonga. We are watching you Paulo and Tampon Lubaya
One thing you need to know you ignorant people is that these people were corrupt through and through.I would urge those who are still in those top positions and continue to use and abuse people like they made them, you too will be brought down at a time you are least expecting. Muleke no kulala nab a mukabene. Don’t use your positions to enrich yourselves. Fear God. He (God) does hear the cries of his people.
Apologising for what?
A VERY VERY STUPID ARMY COMMANDER.
YOU SHOULD STICK TO WHAT YOU HAD SAID THEN.WHY ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR POSITION.A CIVIL SERVANT SHOULD BE ANY I REAET SHOULD SERVE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY DESTITE WHICH EVER POLITICAL PARTY HE MAY SUPPORT.
IT IS THIS KIND OD BOOT LICKING THAT WILL STAGNATE THE GROWTH OF ZAMBIA.LOOK AROUND MOST OF THE STUPID DULL MONEY WANTING FORMER MMD LEADERS ARE RESIGNING TO JOIN PF.
SHAME ON PF TOO FOR ACCEPTING THIS SELL OUT.
WITH THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE WE WILL FOR EVER AND EVER SEE THIS MAD NESS.
LET US BE PROUD AND SAY IT THAT WE DID SERVE ZAMBIA IN FORM OF AN MMD GOVT AND WE ARE PROUD TO STILL BE ZAMBIANS WHO WILL REMAIL IN MMD AND CONTINUE TO SERVE ZAMBIA AS AN OPPOSITION
Like most bloggers have said, this apology is uncalled for. The statement he made was correct at the time. Even Sata knew he was wrong to involve the military in his politics. After a ditinguish military and diplomatic career one comes to make such a national boob. Its true as Danny sang..”Ni ka last kanalengesa”
THE MOST DISPICABLE ZAMBIAN TRAIT IS “SEBANA WIKUTE” ITS PATHETIC THE THINGS MY COUNTRYY MEN AND WOMEN DO OR SAY JUST TO FILL THEIR STOMACHS. JUST HOW CAN A WHOLE NATION SINK THIS LOW? NOW THEY EVEN HAVE TO EAT THEIR OWN TRUE WORDS PAKUTI BEKUTA FYE. YABA!
Mwilalandako baiche
Spineless..
I don’t see anything to apologise for. The armed forces serve GRZ and the people. MCS was not GRZ at the time. There is no need. If you arrest me today because I committed a crime, and tomorrow I become president; does that render me innocent?
No!
It is water under the bridge.
Noted, thing is the General did not get chocked by swallowing that pride though it might be too little too late.
Has this Commander fought any war?
@ Epsilon,
Brother are you sure you want war? I seriuosly doubt that. Sometimes it is good not to comment on issues you have little information on.
The best way to do it, period
……….what does the privates think now??
……..what do the privates think now?