Mbatia welcomes Speaker’s call for reconciliation, unity

Dar es Salaam. NCCR-Mageuzi chairman James Mbatia has welcomed the call by Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai for reconciliation between the Opposition and the ruling CCM over the political stalemate in the country.

Mr Mbatia, who doubles as co-chair of the coalition of opposition parties (Ukawa), cautioned that the move should not have hidden agenda.

He said this on Sunday during an interview with Azam TV’s Tido Mhando’s Funguka programme.

Mr Mbatia, who represents Vunjo in Parliament, said Mr Ndugai should be commended by all Tanzanians of good will, for his initiative to restore unity and harmony in the country saying that the Opposition was not treated fairly in the last Parliament sitting.

Deputy Speaker Tulia Ackson, said Mr Mbatia, never bothered to work on the Opposition’s  concerns over alleged violation of the Constitution and other standing orders, thus they had no option but to leave Bunge sessions.

 “It wasn’t fair for the Deputy Speaker to take side. She was supposed to be neutral and refrain from favouring the ruling party,” he said.

He said the opposition MPs were not against Dr Ackson but the breach of the Constitution and Standing Orders of which all parliamentarians are obliged to observe.

Speaking on the position of Ukawa after election, Mr Mbatia said the coalition is gaining strength as they share common interest inside and outside the parliament.

Asserting their position on whether his party is supporting operation Ukuta by Chadema, Mr Mbatia said NCCR supports the fight for democracy.

Our exit had nothing to do with the chair but we were defending the general publics who gave us parliamentarian position, what we wanted to see is clear observation and respect of rule of law, constitution, rules and regulations.