Magufuli elected CCM chairman

Dar es Salaam. CCM yesterday unanimously elected President John Magufuli as chairman during a colourful event that saw several former leaders take turns to highlight the party’s achievements during the past 40 years.

Those who spoke before the announcement of election results included Retired President Jakaya Kikwete, Retired Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, former prime ministers John Malecela, Salim Ahmed Salim and Mizengo Pinda and former CCM secretary-general Yusuf Makamba.

The former leaders showered praise on Dr Magufuli’s leadership style of zero tolerance towards corruption.

In his remarks, Mr Kikwete said the party was safe in the hands of Dr Magufuli.

“Don’t worry about what people might say because we are happy with your leadership, and we wish you all the best,” he said, adding that he had seen commitment in Dr Magufuli’s recent statements.

Mr Kikwete, however, called upon Dr Magufuli to make use of advisers – including his predecessors – whenever necessary, noting that being president was a tough job.

“CCM has courageous, versatile and creative leaders. During the past two years you have done a wonderful job,” said Mr Kikwete amid applause from the audience.

Former Prime Minister Pinda said: “I’m happy with the way you are fighting corruption in the government. I’m glad that today you have been given people of high integrity who will assist you in the fight against corruption. In case you see anyone who will be going against what the party expects of him or her, it won’t be bad to axe that person.”

Mr Makamba, who is renowned for his oratory, scorned the opposition and praised Dr Magufuli. He said CCM had taught the opposition a lesson by winning 42 of the 43 seats that were on offer in last month’s civic by-elections.

“I once said in this room that while former President Jakaya Kikwete baptised you with water, the one coming (Dr Magufuli) would baptise you with fire. Now you all see what is happening,” said Mr Makamba.

Like Mr Makamba, Mr Malecela also mocked the opposition, saying under President Magufuli as CCM chairman, they (the opposition) would have to wait for a “very long time”.

In his remarks, Dr Salim Salim urged the CCM chairman to remember that the party commanded a lot of respect across Africa, and that it was the duty of the party’s leadership to maintain that respect.

“Dr Magufuli should understand that CCM’s importance goes beyond Tanzania. It is my hope that CCM will carry on with the responsibility of fighting for the rights of the downtrodden,” he said.

Dr Magufuli garnered all 1,821 votes cast.

He also agreed to continue working with the current secretariat under the leadership of secretary-general Abdulrahman Kinana.