Magufuli reaffirms campaign to crush economic saboteurs

{PRESIDENT John Magufuli said yesterday his government is keen to crush all economic saboteurs, reiterating that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing government’s anti-graft crusade.}

“We are not going to rest until all the boils (majipu)… at wherever part of the body are are squeezed and gone, as we seek to turn around the country’s fortunes,” he said.

“Let us join forces in this war and work together,” Dr Magufuli said in his address to the nation through Dar es Salaam elders from the Diamond Jubilee Hall in the city.

The elders in their message overwhelmingly declared their endorsement to Dr Magufuli and his government after 100 days in office. The president expressed his appreciation to the elders and vowed to step up the campaign, but called upon all Tanzanians to play their part, saying “the drive was too important to be left to leaders alone.”

“At this point … every Tanzanian should ask himself or herself what he or she has done or given to Tanzania,” Dr Magufuli stressed. “As we celebrate 100 days in office a lot has been done, but many challenges have unfolded.

“However, I can hereby humbly assure you that… with God’s guidance we are going to persevere,” the president declared in his one-hour long speech that was frequently interrupted by thunderous applause.

“I would like each and everyone of you to ask yourselves what you have done for the country … whether you are a farmer, a doughnut seller or trader,” he said. President Magufuli reminded the nation of an old adage that goes “only those who work should eat and therefore everyone should play their role to propel the nation into prosperity.

The president used the opportunity to express his position on the political situation in Zanzibar, stressing that the Isles electoral body was an independent institution and nobody can dictate terms on it.

“Throughout the world electoral commissions are independent institutions. It is improper for anybody … even me as the president to interfere with its operations or decisions,” Dr Magufuli said.

“I understand there are appeals for me to intervene in the current impasse in Zanzibar. On this I am going to remain quiet. There is nothing I can do.

“If there are legal disputes… then the aggrieved party or parties are free to go to court and seek legal redress,” Dr Magufuli told the elders. Last year’s vote was scrapped by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) after what was described as “massive irregularities.” The opposition has dismissed the claims.

The annulment came after the opposition Civic United Front (CUF) candidate Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, who is also the Isles First Vice-President in the Government of National Unity declared himself the winner before the results were officially announced.

The CUF has further said it would boycott a new election now planned for March 20. The president, however, insisted that the government would ensure peace and tranquility prevailed in the Isles and elsewhere in the United Republic.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces in the country, I am duty bound to ensure peace and security prevails and that if there is anyone anywhere who wants to disrupt the peace, then we are going to deal with such elements,” he said.

Source:Daily News:[Magufuli reaffirms campaign to crush economic saboteurs->http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/home-news/46950-magufuli-reaffirms-campaign-to-crush-economic-saboteurs]