Arusha mayor ditches Chadema, defects to CCM

Dar es Salaam. Arusha mayor Mr Calist Lazaro has announced his decision to decamp from the main opposition party Chadema to the ruling CCM today November 19, 2019.

A video clip, which went viral shows Mr Lazaro announcing his decision at the ruling party sub-office in Dar es Salaam accompanied by CCM publicity and ideology secretary Mr Humphrey Pole Pole.

In a clip and press statement, which was released by the ruling party Mr Lazaro said he has decided to quit the party due to some difficulties, which he has been encountering during the course of discharging his duties as the City Mayor.

The statement released to the media indicated that Mr Lazaro was served with several warning letters for his association with the government officials.

The statement further indicated that the decision by Mr Lazaro was triggered by the party’s decision to boycott the local polls scheduled for Sunday, November 24.

The statement indicates that Mr Lazaro is now ready to receive and implement any directives, which he will be assigned by CCM leaders.

Commenting on Mr Lazaro’s decision Arusha Member of Parliament Mr Godbless Lema said the party isn’t surprised by Mr Lazaro’s decision.

“As far as I am concerned Mr Lazaro left  Chadema three years ago because the way he was acting and discharge his responsibilities was in favour of the ruling party and not Chadema,” said Mr Lema when he was reached for his comments.