Don’t advocate chaos, political parties warned

ABDALLAH MSUYA in Dodoma

HOME Affairs Minister Mwigulu Nchemba briefs the National Assembly on the government’s report on the killings of people in Rufiji District recently, during the closing of the third meeting of the 54th session at the debating chamber in Dodoma yesterday. (Photo by Mohamed Mambo)

THE Home Affair Minister, Mr Mwigulu Nchemba, has warned leaders of political parties who agitate for violence among their supporters to brace for the full wrath of the law.

The minister made the remarks in Parliament when reacting to supplementary questions from legislators Goodluck Mlinga (Ulanga, CCM) and Kangi Lugola (Mwibara, CCM), who quizzed the government on the steps that were being taken to deal with inciters and perpetrators of political violence. The MPs expressed concern over escalating violence instigated by politicians in different parts of the country, including Ulanga and Pemba.

Adding to prior answers given by his deputy, Mr Hamad Masauni, the minister said the Police Force, from now on, will deal with political leaders who mastermind acts of violence and often foment chaos, urging their supporters to riot.

“I have directed security personnel to act tough on inciters rather than their supporters. These are the people we want the Police Force to deal with firmly,” Mr Nchemba said.

“Most often they put their supporters in the front and eventually those who suffer from the consequences are these supporters. But now the leaders would be made to face the full wrath of the law if caught in such acts,” the minister added.

Mr Nchemba warned politicians across the political divide that use of provocative language and making unguarded or inflammatory statements will not be tolerated.

He reminded them to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and adhere to the rule of law when carrying out their political duties. The Home Affairs Minister called on Tanzanians not to be manipulated by politicians who harbour selfish interests.

“May I call upon Tanzanians to be aware of divisive politicians who issue inflammatory statements. People should not kill each other over political differences,” he said.

He added that while people were killing each other, the instigators remained out of trouble, enjoying cool drinks and rubbing shoulders with their compatriots in the leadership hierarchies.

In the basic question, Serengeti legislator Marwa Chacha (Chadema), sought a government statement, saying there were controversial deaths linked to politics, but those involving members of the opposition, were not given priority during investigation.

Mr Nchemba said all Tanzanians were first class citizens and assured the Parliament that the police will continue providing security for all citizens regardless of their political affiliations, race, tribe, and religious beliefs and that the force will remain non-partisan. The minister also hit back at those who claim that the fifth phase government, under President John Magufuli is a dictatorship regime.

“They should be able to differentiate between a dictatorship government and one that makes sure that the rule of the law is adhered to,” he said, insisting that the government will not go back in its quest to transform the country.

On his side, Mr Masauni said the Police were executing their duties according to law, regulations and other procedures, in order to ensure that the rights of every individual are observed.

He rubbished claims that the Police Force was involved in violent acts against Pemba residents. He explained that the law enforcers were arresting criminals, who attacked and destroyed other people