Ukawa suspects foul play as Lipumba quits

Prof Ibrahim Lipumba announces his resignation as Civic United Front chairman during a news conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday.  

Coalition leaders blame Prof Lipumba’s surprise exit on what they described as the machinations of leaders in power who want to wreck opposition unity ahead of the October elections

 Some leaders of political parties which form the opposition coalition, Ukawa, said they never thought the CUF leader could make such a move

Dar es Salaam. Opposition leaders and some analysts expressed their surprise over Prof Ibrahim Lipumba’s decision to step down as Civic United Front (CUF) chairman.

Speaking to The Citizen shortly after Prof Lipumba announced his decision in Dar es Salaam, some leaders of political parties which form the opposition coalition, Ukawa, said they never thought the CUF leader could make such a move.

They also poked holes on the reasons he cited for his decision to step down from the party he had led for 16 years.

Speaking to reporters, Prof Lipumba said he decided to resign because what was going on within Ukawa was contrary to the objective of establishing the coalition.

Prof Lipumba said he was also against the decision to nominate Mr Edward Lowassa as the coalition’s flagbearer, arguing that as a former CCM member, the former Premier was against the people-centered constitution which was proposed by the Commission led by Judge Joseph Warioba.

But CUF acting director of Information, Publicity and Public Education Ismail Jussa said although Prof Lipumba’s decision will leave a huge void, the party would emerge even stronger.

According to Mr Jussa, CUF will continue as a political party and as a partner in the opposition coalition. He noted that CUF was aware of some dirty tactics being played by those in power to sabotage Ukawa but said they would overcome them.“We have received Prof Lipumba’s resignation letter and we wish him well in his future endeavours because we recognise his contribution in building this party; we urge our members and supporters to remain calm,” said Mr Jussa in a statement.

He said the party would hold Secretariat and Supreme Council meetings on Sunday to discuss the way forward as it seeks to fill the vacancy created by the eartwhile party chair ’s exit.

Chadema acting secretary general Salum Mwalimu defended Ukawa against the accusations made by Prof Lipumba. According to Mr Mwalimu, Ukawa leaders did not violate any terms of agreement signed towards the end of last year.

He said although the professor was entitled to make any decision he deemed firt, he has saddened many Tanzanians who believe in change and support Ukawa.

“The memorandum of understanding to establish Ukawa was signed between political parties and not individuals; Prof Lipumba claims are thus baseless. The CUF secretary general attended the Chadema National Convention and former CUF vice chairman is Ukawa’s presidential running mate,” said Mr Mwalimu.

Mr Mwalimu added that it was too early to tell whether or not Prof Lipumba’s exit would have any impact in the October General Election.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) chairman, Dr Emmanuel Makaidi, said Ukawa had done nothing wrong in welcoming CCM members who were ready to embrace what the coalition believes in.

Political analyst from Ruaha University College Prof Gaudence Mpangala feared the worst for the opposition coalition. According to Prof Mpangala, the absence of Prof Lipumba coupled by that of Chadema secretary general Dr Willibrod Slaa would deal a big blow to Ukawa.

The university don said although claims of being sabotaged by the ruling party should not be ignored, such a move by a leader of Prof Lipumba’s calibre sent a negative message to those who support change.

“Now, more than ever, the hopes of having a strong Opposition after the election were lifted, but I am afraid that might not be the case if the Opposition won’t remain united,” said Prof Mpangala.

Mr Emmanuel Gideon, a political analyst based in Morogoro, said Prof Lipumba should have given realistic reasons why he was taking such a drastic step.

According to him, since Prof Lipumba played a big role in inviting Mr Lowassa to the opposition and even addressed the Chadema executive committee, his current claims did not hold water.

“I can’t understand what is happening with our politicians; it was the same Prof Lipumba who defended Mr Lowassa against corruption allegations during a press conference as he welcomed him during his speech at a ceremony to unveil the former Prime Minister as a Chadema member,” said Mr Gideon.