Act firmly on corruption, JK is challenged

Bishop Michael Hafidh of the Anglican Church in Zanzibar delivers a sermon during the National Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) Chrismas Mass at the University of Dar es Salaam yesterday.  PHOTO | VENANCE NESTORY 

By Florence Mugarula,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• The Head of State was also advised to take stern action against all officials who fail the government in implementing various development projects to the detriment of Tanzanians and the nation in general

Dar es Salaam. Bishop Michael Hafidhi of the Zanzibar Anglican Church yesterday urged President Kikwete not to turn a blind eye on leaders who do not fulfil their responsibilities.

The Head of State was also advised to take stern action against all officials who fail the government in implementing various development projects.

Bishop Hafidhi was preaching at the University of Dar es Salaam chapel during the celebrations of Christmas mass. The mass was nationally organized and conducted at the university campus.

He said the Head of State should not hesitate to act on leaders who go against principles, ethics and regulations.

“The President should not feel ashamed at those leaders who fail his government, let God help him to act for the national interest,” he said.

He said as Tanzanians and other nationals celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, there was a need for both religious and political leaders to assess their positions and see if they are on the right track or not.

Bishop Hafidhi said most political leaders think they were better and more educated than others and that serving the public was an option.

“We must understand that being a leader is God’s plan, there are many educated people in this country, but very few have been chosen by God to lead us, thus once you get that opportunity, you must serve people instead of showing snobbish,” he said.

He added that most political leaders were not advocating for poor wananchi in parliament and in decision making forums.

“ When they come to beg for votes, they promise to bring down prices of various products, improve lives and bring equality, but things have been different every after the end of the financial, every new budget comes with higher prices for sugar, salt and many other things,” said Bishop Hafidhi.

Moreover, Bishop Hafidhi urged politicians to avoid using religion to gain popularity saying such practice could lead to violence and misunderstandings among wananchi.

“These politicians should avoid using religion as a gear for moving their political agendas, when violence occurs, they take their passport and flee the country, only the poor remain behind fighting, dying and suffering,” he said.