Africa-Press – Zambia. EDGAR Lungu says he learnt “late quite a lot” from late former president Rupiah Banda’s “wise counsel as an elderly statesman”. Banda, who ruled Zambia from 2008 to 2011 died last evening after battling cancer for several months.
In statement a statement to Kalemba this afternoon, Lungu, the immediate past republican president spoke of a deep personal bond with Banda and saying he was “deeply aggrieved by his demise”.
In the 2015 presidential by-election, Banda leaned his political weight on Lungu’s bid for presidency helping him secure his first presidential term. Lungu won re-election again in 2016 with Banda’s support.
The jovial former head of state remembered will be remembered for tolerance of opposition political parties during his reign. “It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing on of our former President, His Excellency Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the fourth Republican President,” Lungu stated.
Lungu consoled former first lady, Thandiwe Banda and the “entire family of President Banda”. “I shared a deep personal bond with President Banda and am deeply aggrieved by his demise. He was Iike an elder brother to me. I learnt quite a lot from his wise counsel as an elderly statesman and former Head of State,” he added.
Lungu said he joined the rest of citizenry in paying tribute to Banda for his “enduring service to our nation during his long and illustrious career as a public servant”.
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