Zitto Kabwe
By Florence Mugarula ,The Citizen Reporter
In Summary
Dar es Salaam. How the Tegeta
Escrow Account scandal has developed is proof enough that young
politicians can be trusted to take on issues of national interest,
according to a cross-section of opinion makers. Political analysts and
academics who spoke with The Citizen on Sunday commended the job the
youthful MPs have done in Parliament--saying they have proved that they
can take on top leadership positions.
Last week, Parliament came up with resolutions
advising the Head of State to take measures against government officials
involved in the scandal. The decision was reached after MPs, most of
them relatively young, pushed for both disciplinary and legal action
against minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development
Anna Tibaijuka, minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo,
Attorney General Frederick Werema and Permanent Secretary in the
ministry of Energy and Minerals Eliakim Maswi.
According to the analysts, the young MPs have
proved that the nation will be in safe hands if they are given an
opportunity to lead. The youthful brigade has changed the way Parliament
does business, according to University of Dodoma Lecturer Paul
Loisulie. Since their number has risen in the House, he added, there
have been many debates aimed at protecting the nation’s interests--which
goes to prove that most of them are capable of taking up top positions,
he argues. “It’s obvious young MPs have changed things in Parliament,”
Mr Loisulie said. “We have been witnessing them debating and pushing for
major issues like never before. This means they have ability to lead
this country.” He believes they still have enough time and opportunities
to gain experience and grow into strong and good leaders.
A political analyst based in Karatu, Mr Adonis
Byemerwa, said young MPs have proved themselves by revealing and
debating scandals such as Buzwagi, the export of live animals and
Richmond. “If they can stick to their guns,” he added, they can make
good leaders.” But not all young MPs are good enough for top leadership
positions, according to Mr Byemerwa, considering that some have been
collaborating with corrupt politicians. “We have witnessed leaders of
political parties at various universities working with politicians to
ruin this country,” he said. “Some take money and bribe fellow students
to push their agenda.” Mr Zacharia Malima of the University of Dar es
Salaam cautioned youth that being an outspoken politician is not the
same thing as being a good leader. Some might be good at debating but
fail to implement their ideas when it comes to action. “The problem with
Tanzania’s politics is that people talk too much,” said Mr Malima.
“Even some of these young MPs might be part of the syndrome, They could
be good at talking but poor in leadership.” Still, Mr Malima added, the
Tegeta Escrow Account saga has made it clear that youth can confront
challenges, which is useful when it comes to winning public trust.
According to a political analyst and advocate of
the High Court, Mr Sylivanus Sylivand, young people have proved their
abilities whenever they have had an opportunity to do so over the years.
They include the late Amina Chifupa, who spoke out against drug
dealers. “We have seen many MPs who are promising such as Zitto Kabwe,
David Kafulila, Deo Filikunjombe, John Mnyika, Ester Bulaya, Mwigulu
Nchemba and others,” Mr Sylivand said. “They are not perfect but we see
something in them that tells they can be good leaders.”
Deputy minister of State in the Vice President’s
Office (Environment) Ummy Mwalimu argues that there are many youth in
the country, including those from the ruling CCM, who are capable of
taking up top posts given that most of them are well educated, competent
and capable of leading the country. But the public must trust them, she
added, considering that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere became the first Prime
Minister of Tangayika at 39.
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