{{In Tanzania, harassment, torture and killing of journalists caused controversy in Parliament on Monday when Opposition camp’s allegations that the CCM-led government was party to the ugly incidents hit a wall, causing a postponement of the morning sessions.}}
Trouble started when the shadow minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Mr Joseph Mbilinyi (Mbeya Urban – Chadema) was reading the Opposition’s views on the ministry’s budget estimates for the 2013/14 financial year, then went on to tell the House that Tanzania has become a country where newspapers that expose corruption are banned.
He further charged that Tanzania has become a country “…where journalists, under the supervision of this very ministry, are kidnapped, tortured and even killed…”
The words did not go down well with some CCM lawmakers, forcing the Mbozi East MP, Mr Godfrey Zambi, to stand up and used Parliamentary Standing Orders to demand that Mr Mbilinyi presents proof to his allegations.
“Madam Speaker, allow me to quote Section 68, Subsection 64 (A) of Parliamentary Standing Orders….Going by this section, a legislator is not allowed to stand in Parliament and say something that is untrue….Mr Mbilinyi should prove his allegations against our party – the CCM,” he said.
He said Mr Mbilinyi’s statement – from page two through 14 – smacked of incitement.
“Madam Speaker, the words contained in the statement from page two and 14 are pure incitement and can in no way be tolerated,” he said.
At this point, the Speaker, Ms Anne Makinda, stood up and concurred with Mr Zambi.
“Honourable MPs, we are all aware of the Standing Orders that govern this august House, for we all participated in approving them…..this statement should be discussed by a Parliamentary Standing Orders Committee….I now adjourn the Parliament until 5pm,” said Ms Makinda. It was 11.34am when she announced the adjournment.
The drama persisted even as MPs left the debating chamber, with Ms Anne Kilango-Malecela (Same East – CCM) having a brief encounter with the opposition chief whip, Mr Tundu Lissu outside. “You are disturbing parliamentary proceedings by going against the orders!” Ms Kilango-Malecela told Mr Lissu who quipped: “Which orders are you talking about?”
The two were, in a spin of seconds, joined by Ms Grace Kihwelu (Special Seats – Chadema) and Mr Aden Rage (Tabora Urban – CCM) with each legislator arguing in defence of their respective political parties.
And speaking to journalists at the Parliament grounds, Mr Mbilinyi distanced himself with any wrongdoing, saying he had evidence to prove what he said in the House.
“We only say the truth and I stand by it,” he said.Requesting the Parliament to endorse a total of Sh21.328 billion for her ministry’s activities during 2013/14 financial year, Dr Fenella Mukangara said the long awaited Media Services Bill would be brought to the august House before the end of this year.
Upon completion of that task, said Dr Mukangara, her ministry would then embark on preparing the Access to Information Bill.
Of the money awaiting Parliament’s approval, it is only Sh600 million that is budgeted for development, while the rest would be for recurrent expenditure.
There was virtually nothing in Dr Mukangara’s 62-page speech that specifically touched on press freedom or the safety and security of journalists despite reported cases of media personnel being harassment, tortured and even killed, apparently for carrying out their obligation as messengers of truth should.
She, however, said her ministry would work with the International Labour Organisation in preparing the second phase of the Kazi Nje Nje Programme. The programme seeks to provide entrepreneurship skills to 1.5 million school dropouts.
youth who have dropped out of school.
And on sports, Dr Mukangara revealed that President Jakaya Kikwete has agreed to pay the salary for a Basketball Coach who has been hired from the US.
“Tanzania Basketball Federation is currently finalising modalities of entering a contract with the coach,” she said.
{NMG}
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