Don eyes Ikulu as private candidate

Moshi. A lecturer at Stephan Moshi University College, the Reverend Dr Godlisten Malisa, has declared his intention to run for president as a private candidate if the Proposed Constitution is passed.

He made the announcement yesterday noting that time has come for the country to have a president who will put the nation on their hands.

He said the nation needs a leader who would ensure that Tanzanians enjoy their country’s God-given natural resources, “which currently benefits foreigners”.

“We need a leader who will bring Tanzanians together, one who will be able to bridge the growing gap between the rich and poor and ensure that resources are used for the benefits of all the people,” he said.

The Rev Malisa, who in 2010 unsuccessfully contested the Moshi Urban seat on the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) ticket, said if the Proposed Constitution is not passed, he would ask Tanzanians to endorse him as their ticket bearer to Ikulu via a political party he could choose.

He made the announcement before Vunjo MP and TLP chairman Augustino Mrema and Chama Cha Mapinduzi cadres.

Speaking after the Rev Malisa made his announcement, Mr Mrema cautioned the government, noting that if precautions were not taken now, there was a possibility of religious conflicts disrupting the country’s peace.

He called on clerics who have been attacking Premier Mizengo Pinda over his support for the the Kadhi Court to refrain from doing so because the Proposed Constitution has no such article as claimed by many people.

The Rev Malisa becomes a first person to express his desire to vie for the top office as an independent candidate. Others who have so far made their presidential desires known are counting their parties for nomination.