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 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
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