New AG appeals for time to review State contracts

Dar es Salaam. New Attorney General (AG), George Masaju yesterday said that he generally does not see controversy in the contracts that the government has entered with foreign investors, asking for time to review them.

Mr Masaju gave the remarks immediately after being sworn into office by President Jakaya Kikwete at State House in Dar es Salaaam.

“Give me some time so that I report to the office and see which contracts are supposed to be reviewed. Is there any controversy in contracts? I don’t see any,” Mr Masaju said when answering questions from journalists. He said the only issue was that some of the contracts were confidential.

However, he was reluctant to respond to further questions from the media regarding his office, saying that was neither the right time nor place to talk details about his office.

“If you need an interview with me please come to my office, this is not the right place for that,” he told the curious journalists at the State House grounds.

He said he was ready to serve the country and thanked President Kikwete and the government for having trust in him. 

“This is another opportunity for me to serve the nation, and I appreciate the trust the President has bestowed on me,” he said. He assured Tanzanians that he would advise the government and Parliament wisely on legal matters. He called on the public to trust their government and build national unity to enable the State to fullfil its duties.

He also urged the media and public to cooperate with him in implementing his duties. His swearing in was attended by various State officials and heads of security organs.

Dignitaries included Vice President Mohamed Ghalib Bilal, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, House Speaker Anne Makinda, Chief Justice Mr Chande Othman and Chief of DefenCe Forces Gen Davis Mwamunyange.

Others were IGP Ernest Mangu, Minister for Constitutin and Legal Affairs Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, Minister for Home Affairs. Mr Mathias Chikawe, Minister for Transport and Dr Harrison Mwakyembe.

Mr Masaju took over the office from Judge (rtd) Frederick Werema who resigned for provision of unclear legal advice that led to the controversial withdrawal of Sh306 billion from the Tegeta escrow account at the central bank.

Mr Masaju worked as deputy AG before his appointment as government’s chief legal adviser. He has also worked as President Kikwete’s legal adviser for some years and is reputed to have enormous experience and exposure on legal matters.