Form effective govt, Lipumba tells Kikwete

BY NELSON KESSY

22nd December 2013

The Civil United Front (CUF) Chairman Prof Ibrahim Lipumba

Following the resignation of four ministers on Friday, the Civil United Front (CUF) Chairman Prof Ibrahim Lipumba urged the government yesterday to think critically about the performance and effectiveness of other ministers as well.

President Jakaya Kikwete should assess the performance of ministers, said Lipumba, adding: “Resignation of the four is not enough as there are others also involved in ‘Operation Tokomeza’ …it is better for them to resign in the national interest.”
Making the call in the CUF Council session in Dar es Salaam, he said: “The leadership system should be strengthened to get accountable leaders to stand on behalf of Tanzanians and the nation at large.” 

He urged other parties to think of and reflect on the new constitution to give vision and hope to Tanzanians all over the country.

Meanwhile, Seif Sharif Hamad urged Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) to settle their reported misunderstandings because “it is an alternative ruling party.”

Hamad, who is also Zanzibar First Vice-President, made the call during the party’s meeting held at Kawe, Dar es Salaam. 

He said: “CHADEMA needs to stop their differences and unite. “I urge them to avoid disunity and instead come together to develop their party.”  

“Since we expect President Kikwete to receive the second draft of the constitution, it is important for all citizens to have their national identities.

“Identities are important and that’s why I’m insisting that the government to ensure all citizens above 18 years to get either voting identity or national identity cards because they need them during general elections.

“There are political parties that demand three governments, others are for two governments…the only way forward is to agree on a constitution suitable for all Tanzanians,” he said.

For, he added, the party with majority in Parliament would win and have a constitution favourable to them instead of one appropriate to all Tanzanians.

Meanwhile, CUF Youth Deputy Secretary Hamidu Bobali insisted that the government should take to court MPs who were reportedly paid travel funds but they didn’t travel.

He said: “What happened is theft; they should be taken to court just like other thieves as nobody is above the law.”

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY