People salute Chadema’s demo reverse decision

DAILY NEWS Reporter

Director of Tanzania Information Services, MAELEZO, and Chief Government Spokesperson,Mr Hassan Abbas

THE general public today commended CHADEMA’s decision to shelve countrywide rallies saying the move expressed political maturity.

Spot interview carried by Daily News Online shows that various social groups including activists, politicians, human rights and religious leaders, saluted the move.

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC)Executive Director, Dr Hellen Kijo Bisimba feared that violence was likely to occur if the party stuck to its decision to take to the streets.

“My call to all parties involved in this stalemate is that they should observe sobriety for the interest of our nation because if the opposition party leaders had decided to take to the streets, anarchy, violence and disregard of the law was likely to occur,’’ she said.

The Chief Sheikh of Dar es Salaam, Alhad Musa Salum, who is the Regional Chairperson for Religious Leaders Peace Committee, said the decision by Chadema was received by clerics with appreciation as it helped the country to remain united and peaceful.

“The decision to suspend the planned demos is good and I am glad to hear Chadema leaders bowing to religious leaders plea to invite dialogue before taking to the streets,’’ he added.

Information Service Director Hassan Abbas also commended Chadema’s move to halt political national wide rallies that were supposed to be staged on September 1. Mr Abbas said: “I congratulate [Chadema] for obeying the law.

The right to demonstrate hinges on [police] permission as well. “The law gives police power to issue the permission since they banned demonstration it was a good thing to obey the law of land and authorities.”

The director advised the party to fully engage in developing the nation and do away with activist-type politics.

In his response, Ilala Municipal Council deputy mayor, Mr Omary Kumbilamoto said the decision to call off the protests was a blessing in disguise to people as many people had been gripped by fear since the announcement of the party’s demonstrations.

In Morogoro, Kilombero business people had earlier said that they would not participate in the protests if they were not postponed by the opposition party.

“We are glad that the demonstrations have been halted but I want to advise my colleagues to engage themselves in matters that can earn them revenue than participating in senseless protests,’’ said the chairman of the union of businesspeople at the Kilombero market, Mr Abdi Mchomvu.