Sefue speaks out after his removal

Dar es Salaam. Former Chief Secretary Ombeni Sefue said yesterday that President John Magufuli was not obliged to retain him in the post.

Mr Sefue told journalists shortly after his successor, Mr John Kijazi, was sworn in at State House that it was the President’s prerogative to  appoint whoever he trusts to assist him in running civil service.

“The most important thing is that I assisted the President and his new lineup to the best of my ability during the transition period…I’m proud of my role and achievement in that capacity,” he said.

Mr Sefue executed his duties right to the very end as he stood next to the President and helped him with the paperwork during the swearing-in of Mr Kijazi, who promised to hit the ground running in line with the pace and priorities set by President Magufuli.

I assisted the President to the best of my ability during the transition period…I’m proud that I did my best in that capacity”

FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY OMBENI SEFUE

Mr Kijazi, who until last week was Tanzania’s long-serving high commissioner to India, was appointed to succeed Mr Sefue on Sunday. He said it was an honour for him to be appointed to the position.

“The responsibilities of the chief secretary are well known, and I promise to do my best to serve as an effective link between the President and all ministries and government agencies so that we move together in the same direction,” Mr Kijazi said.

He added that he would ensure that discipline was maintained in the government at all times.

“In my other capacity as the secretary of the Cabinet, it is my duty to make follow-ups on decisions reached by the Cabinet and see to it that they are implemented accordingly.”

Mr Kijazi added, however, that he can only succeed in his new capacity if he gets the necessary cooperation from other  government officials and stakeholders.

“We have ministers, permanent secretaries, directors and other senior officials. These are the key people whom I will work with  to ensure that the government runs smoothly.”

He said the priorities of the Fifth Phase government under President Magufuli are well known, particularly putting emphasis on revenue collection and fighting corruption.

“My promise to the President and my fellow Tanzanians is that I will work hard to make sure that the government serves the people to their expectations, and that we have a diligent, efficient and corruption-free civil service.  For that to happen, we will make sure their welfare is  taken care of.” Mr Kijazi becomes the ninth chief secretary since independence.

He was born in 1956, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering  from the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Birmingham, respectively.

He began his career in civil service in 1982 in the Ministry of Works, and rose through the ranks to serve as the ministry’s permanent secretary from 2002 to 2005. From January to December 2006, he served as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

In January 2007, he was appointed Tanzania’s high commissioner to India, with accreditation in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Nepal.

Yesterday he officially took over from Mr Sefue, who was first appointed chief secretary in December 31, 2011 by the then President, Mr Jakaya Kikwete.

Dr Magufuli reappointed him to the position last December.