Stop subtle campaigns, politicians challenged

Dar es Salaam. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology January Makamba yesterday challenged politicians who want to vie for the presidency to stop subtle campaigns and declare their interest openly.

A good leader stands in front of his people and declares his intentions without holding back anything, said Mr Makamba, who is also the MP for Bumbuli (CCM).

Mr Makamba is among CCM members who have declared an interest in joining the race for president in the October General Election and says he wants to give the public a chance to vet and challenge him. He made the remarks at the Mind Speak business club, which is a forum to discuss local and regional issues.

According to Mr Makamba, some politicians are reluctant to declare their interest and have resorted to underground campaigns, but his conscience does not allow him to engage in such secrecy. He chose instead, he added, to share his ideas, strategies and plans with all Tanzanians so they can vet him and decide whether or not he is fit for the top job in the land.

According to Mr Makamba, “clean” people have no reason to hide their intentions--and it is important that the people are given a chance to assess their candidates and decide whether they have what it takes to run the country. “If a person is ready to do a bad thing to get in power, you can be sure he will do bad things to stay in power.” Mr Makamba added.

Though he did not name any names, his comments come at a time when a number of people believing to be interested on the top job being shy of publicly declaring their intentions.

He argues that the race for State House should not be a do-or-die affair but rather an opportunity for an eligible person to serve the public. “The good thing with this matter is that we are not fighting each other,” he said. “I promise to accept the result of this race and I will co-operate with whoever wins.” But, the situation shows that due to stiff competition among the presidential hopefuls, foul play has dominated the game. This has forced the ruling Chama Cha mapinduzi (CCM) to put a break on six of presidential aspirants, including Mr Makamba himself, for acting against the party norms ahead of the October polls.

CCM put the six on notice for conducting campaigns ahead of time. Others who were suspended to conduct political activities for 12 months include the former Prime Minister, Mr Edward Lowassa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Bernard Membe and Bunda MP, Mr Stephen Wassira. The list also includes Sengerema law maker, Mr William Ngeleja and former prime Minister, Mr Frederick Sumaye.

Mr Makamba challenged young people to spearhead change and vie for leadership. And to do this, they will have to develop confidence and the courage to face up to leadership challenges. As he sees it, no one is more responsible for change than the younger generation--especially since they have more “tomorrows”.

And then came a moment of plain speaking: “I understand that there are many youth who do not trust me. They say I am just selling my name. But, surely, you must understand that this man in front of you is serious. I am confident and optimistic about what I am doing. Some youth just look at themselves on the mirror and say to themselves that no I cannot do this, if you think so…that is your problem and not mine.”

Commenting on the challenges the country faces, Mr Makamba said corruption was one of the major problems that are embarrassing the CCM government--and there is a very real need for a strategy to fight the problem. “We need to make major changes, including overhauling Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) personnel and improving the prosecution system,” he said.

He sees a need for a court to deal with economic sabotage--and it should have enough resources to deal with corruption-related cases within a short time.

Twenty years ago, Mr Makamba added, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere spoke of the cracks in the walls, roof and foundation of the nation--and most of those cracks have yet to be fixed. “Mwalimu wanted us to find solutions to corruption, crime, religious conflicts and others, but we are still facing these problems today and it is our duty as the young generation to fix the house before it collapses.”

Asked how CCM could be restructured so that it can sort out major challenges such as corruption among its members, the Bumbuli MP said the party was like a big ship that cannot turn around at high speed. And he added: “I agree that CCM has many challenges, but this is a biggest and oldest party in the country. It’s like a big ship that needs to be turned around carefully and slowly. It is not like a small car that can make a U-turn whenever and wherever it sees some room.”

On the East African Community, Mr Makamba said Tanzania’s geographical position--including Dar es Salaam port--must be treated as a potential source of income. He urged youth to get ready to compete and face challenges from other countries.

The Mind Speak discussion was attended by youth, politicians, business and political analysts and stakeholders from different walks of life.

Mr Hamza Jabir, an advocate with Crax Law Partners, said it was high time youth rose to top leadership positions. “Things have changed so much,” he added. “We need youth who can cope with challenges driven by a world that is changing constantly.”