Prof Lipumba’s decision would not demobilise CUF or Ukawa and that they were in safe hands, said Maalim Seif.
He was speaking at CUF’s Buguruni headquarters where he met CUF members who were waiting to hear the party’s stand following Prof Lipumba’s resignation.
Maalim Seif, who is also First Vice President of Zanzibar government, said even after Lipumba’s decision, he will continue maintaining the principles of party to ensure it reaches its goal of forming government one day.
He likened a political party to train transport, whereby people will get on and off but the journey will continue to its destination. “If it’s a train heading to Mwanza passengers will drop off when it reaches Morogoro, and others will get on. When it reaches Kaliua some passengers will drop off but others will get on.
Professor Lipumba has resigned, those who joined CUF because of him may decide to stay or leave, Said Maalim Seif.
Meanwhile, he said they will start conducting meetings this weekend to reach firm decisions on how to lead the party, ensuring it remains in safe hands until the election of a new chairman.
Maalim Seif said after Prof Lipumba departure he spoke with UKAWA leaders namely Freeman Mbowe, James Mbatia, and Emmanuel Makaidi as well as the presidential candidate Edward Lowassa, and agreed that they won’t retreat.
“We have agreed UKAWA exists and is firmly established so we won’t retreat… many people support…Magufuli will not step at Magogoni State House,” Maalim Seif, said.
He commended Prof. Lipumba for allowing Tanzanians to keep the Unity of UKAWA because he was founder and chairperson of chairs in the political parties, comprising UKAWA.
Prof Lipumba stepped down from position CUF chairman, a move that has left many questions than answers. He announced in Dar es Salaam at a press conference that he was leaving the chairmanship to become an ordinary CUF member and find time to engage in his profession as an economist.
He said he differed with Ukawa’s decision to welcome people from the ruling party and secure opportunities to vie for leadership for the October election.
He said most people defecting from CCM were the ones opposed the draft constitution tabled at the Constituent Assembly by the Warioba Constitution Review Commission, leading to the formation of the Opposition coalition.
“People who cross the line today and get opportunities to contest for top government posts are those who advocated for the Proposed Constitution, which we (Ukawa) agreed to oppose.
But Prof Lipumba’s stance would come as a big puzzle because a few days ago he was among Ukawa leaders on the forefront to clear the way for Prime Minister Edward Lowassa to decamping from CCM to the Opposition.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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