Magufuli’s speech wins wide public approval

BILHAM KIMATI

PRESIDENT John Magufuli’s speech at the inauguration of the 11th Parliament in Dodoma on Friday has sparked positive response from various people irrespective of their political inclination.

Mr Sebastian Ngomuo, a resident of Pugu-Kajiungeni area, Ilala District and ardent member of NCCR-Mageuzi said, “Here is a president whom Tanzanians should support and give full cooperation to transform the society,” he said.

“Being a member of the opposition party does not mean I should be criticising everything ... even issues of national interest. “President Magufuli has stood out to show the roadmap Tanzania should follow. His facial expression tells exactly that he meant what he said.

“Corruption, bureaucracy, nepotism and embezzlement of public funds have extensively eaten up the moral fabric of this nation. I am convinced Dr Magufuli will lead the way and positive changes are going to be realised in the next few months,” Mr Ngomuo concluded.

MP for Kigoma Urban, Mr Zitto Kabwe (ACT-Wazalendo), said there was no way he could stop supporting the ‘overhauling’ trend set by President Magufuli as the opposition always fought for prudence in public spending.

“For the last ten years, some of us fought strongly against corruption and misappropriation of public funds. The parliamentary Public Account Committee (PAC) that I led always raised concern on misuse of resources.

“A number of scandals were exposed calling for collective and appropriate action as today advocated for by President Magufuli. Anyone against President Magufuli is an ally of swindlers,” firmly wrote Zitto on his twitter account.

He said it was unacceptable to have a nation with a few billionaires who amassed wealth through tax evasion on one hand and the majority squeezed hard to pay tax particularly the small-scale entrepreneurs and employees on the other hand with poverty at the door steps. “Victory over graft and embezzlement guarantees success in socio-economic prosperity above poverty,” Mr Zitto insisted.

In an interview with BBC on Friday night, Dr Kitila Mkumbo from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) took note of seriousness in the president’s speech, which he described as powerful and timely deserving every support for the nation to move forward.

“Judging from facial expression, one can easily tell that President Magufuli meant what he said. The need to fight corruption, egoistic attitude, bureaucracy and improved social services cannot be overstated.

These are issues of national interest beyond political divide,” Dr Mkumbo observed. Dr Ernest Kyambile from the School of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam requested support by all members of the community including legislators to ‘mend the fence’ for economic success of the entire nation.

“Previous mistakes in delivery should not be repeated. The pace set by Dr Magufuli is the right tread to make a difference at an amazing speed. Priorities outlined carry justifiable weight and concerned authorities or parties should act accordingly to suit the tune,” Dr Kyambile explained.

Among other priorities outlined by President Magufuli included war against redtape, more funds to enhance free education, improved health and water supply services, control over government expenditure at all levels and efficiency in revenue collection.

Others included job creation, war against drug trafficking, ban on unnecessary foreign trips for government officials, stable power supply, construction of standard gauge railway network, revival of industrial operation (manufacturing and agro-processing), strengthening of the Parliament and the judiciary for oversight and enhance regional integration and economic diplomacy.