Top leaders feud continues in Tunduma

Mbeya. Differences between Momba District Commissioner, Mr Jumaa Irando on one side and Tunduma MP, Frank Mwakajoka (Chadema and Tunduma town council chairman, has continued to put the three leaders at loggerheads.

In what has been affected smooth execution of development plans, the three leaders have maintained their stance of not cooperating.

In recent past, addressing a public rally organised by Mr Mwakajoka, the Tunduma town council chair, Mr Ally Mwafongo, asked councillors and street chairmen to stop working with the District Commissioner.

He said the civic leaders should stop cooperating with the DC because of his habit of issuing directives which were against the wish of the people.

He accused the District Commissioner of fronting political agenda in his work.

But Irando dismissed the call saying it does not bother him. He vowed to continue working for the people in accordance with the law, orders and regulations.

To show his stance, Mr Irando has released a letter opposing about 13 issues which the councillors had agreed and made part of 2017.18 budget.

“If they have announced that (they will not work with me) let it be. It does not bother me and I will continue serving Momba people,” insists the District Commissioner.

On order to have the MP arrested and remanded for 48 hours, Mr Irando said he gave the order because in one of his rallies he uttered defamatory statements against him and Songwe Regional Commissioner.

“In some of his statements he said ‘President should careful look at people he appoints to lead Tunduma.’ This is belittling one another. And that is why I ordered his arrest. He has been released but state organ are still continuing with investigations against him,” he elaborated.

Mr Mwakajoka insisted today that he is not going to rescind his statement that President John Magufuli and Prime Minister to be careful when assigning people to some sensitive areas like Tunduma.

“Some 71 percent of all cargo offloaded at Dar es Salaam Port is transited through Tunduma border post. You can see from this that Tunduma holds exceptional importance to this country,” he said.