Mugabe delivers wrong speech in parliament

Opposition MP Ruth Labode blamed infighting within the ruling Zanu-PF.

Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s aging president, read out the wrong speech at the opening of parliament today (Sept. 15).

Mugabe’s office apologised for the incident and said the mix-up was due to a mistake made in the president’s secretarial office, the BBC reports. “The error is sincerely regretted and corrective measures are being considered”, Charamba was quoted as saying.

“As usual it was a masterpiece”.

He remained completely unaware that he had read the same words a month earlier.

In statement issued immediately after the opening of parliament the MDC believes Mugabe should do the right thing and step down. Broadcasting was then suspended before Mugabe started his speech.

Mugabe has resisted calls to step down despite his advancing age.

According to his spokesperson George Charamba, the 91-year-old president was not aware he was delivering the same lines.

“Thus, all Members of Parliament must be in their respective Chambers by 1400hours, Wednesday, 16 September 2015.” said Mr Chokuda.

‘This is a sure sign of senility and grossly failing mental and physical health, ‘ he said.

The long-time President arrived at the parliament with his wife Grace. In addition, the nonagenarian has also lately cut down on his typically-long speeches as the calls for his retirement or resignation grow.

Mugabe, a former Marxist rebel leader, fought against British colonial rule and has been the country’s leader since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1980.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has summoned all his MPs to a special sitting of parliament after he delivered a wrong speech. This time, however, the opposition was silent, while Zanu-PF party supporters clapped at regular intervals during the speech. You can hardly find a bank that will lend you money these days. This is the leadership we want.

Gonese said the party, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, is “worried” about the threats to its lawmakers.