President Magufuli: Leadership needs patience

President John Magufuli speaks at State House, Dar es Salaam, yesterday after swearing in three senior government officials. The appointees and their respective positions are Mr Mathias Kabunduguru (Judiciary chief executive), Mr Gerald Mweli (deputy permanent secretary, Regional Administration and Local Government) and Mr Ali Bujiku (ambassador). PHOTO | STATE HOUSE

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli yesterday told officials he swore into office that their leadership job needed patience - and asked them to deliver.

The head of state directed the appointees to work in accordance with their oath of office, and support him in serving the public.

Some of the officials who were sworm-in include Mr Mathias Kabunduguru who was appointed chief judiciary executive; Mr Ally Sakila (appointed ambassador), and Mr Godfrey Mweli, deputy permanent secretary in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Governments).

“It needs patience - and putting God in front. Leadership includes negative publicity; but you are supposed to play your part,” he said during the function held at State House.

“As leaders, we have a responsibility to serve the poor, even as we observe justice,” he added.

Some of the officials were appointed on Saturday alongside Mr Hashim Komba and Hassan Rungwa who were appointed Nachingwea District Commissioner and District Executive Director respectively.

The appointments were made after the head of state completed his visit of Lindi where he also officiated the end of the Uhuru Torch race this year, and marking 20 years since the founder-president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere passed away.

Dr Magufuli insisted fighting corruption, recalling the Sh1.2 billion that was stolen by cashew cooperatives in the Southern regions. According to him, the suspects were already on the radar and some Sh250 million has been returned.