John Cheyo calls on opposition to change tactics

Dodoma. United Democratic Party (UDP) national chairman John Cheyo has asked fellow opposition politicians to change the way they were practising politics.

Speaking at CCM’s extra-ordinary congress here yesterday, Mr Cheyo, who was among leaders of political parties who were invited, said opposition politics should not aim at disrupting smooth running of the country.

Mr Cheyo urged fellow opposition politicians to learn from CCM, narrating how former President Jakaya Kikwete, who was also CCM national chairman until yesterday, assisted him personally to secure treatment abroad on government expenses.

He noted that among the cherished God’s commandments is one which calls for everyone to love their neighbours.

“If we don’t love one another in the name of politics, we will be destroying our own country,” he said.

He noted that it was unbecoming of a Tanzanian to loathe his neighbour simply because he professed a different political ideology.

Earlier, Mr Augustine Mrema, the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) national chairman, also hipped accolades on the government noting that since his election late last year, President John Magufuli has done a lot for the country.

“Some people ridiculed me when I campaigned for Dr Magufuli, what they didn’t know was that I knew he was the right person to lead our country. I am happy now that Dr Magufuli has proved what I believed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fred Mpendazoe and Mgana Msindai, former CCM members who crossed over to Chadema, yesterday returned to their old party.

Mr Mpendazoe said he decided to return to CCM because the ruling party has proved that it was capable of bringing the change which Tanzanians need.

“We witnessed real changes when Mr (Abdulrahman) Kinana and Nape (Nnauye) went across the country, meeting people and preaching against grand corruption even if those suspected to engage in corruption were from their own party,” he said.

He also noted that after observing at the way Dr Magufuli has been running the country, he was satisfied that it was just a matter of time before dreams by many Tanzanians were fulfilled.

“I have no reason to stay in another party because all which I was gunning for is what CCM is implementing,” he said.

In his speech Mr Msindai, who served as Singida CCM regional chairman asked for forgiveness from CCM members, noting that in Chadema he was treated as a prisoner.