CHATO: RETIRED national leaders have remembered the late President Dr John Magufuli as a patriotic, righteous, courageous, God-fearing, and principled leader who enforced accountability and ensured public funds were judiciously spent to improve citizens’ living conditions.
The leaders paid tribute yesterday during the commemoration of the fifth death anniversary of Dr Magufuli in Chato District, Geita Region, urging citizens to uphold his legacy.
Speaking at the event, former Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango recalled his experience working with the late president as Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and Minister for Finance and Planning.
Dr Mpango said the late President Magufuli encouraged him to increase revenue collection and ensure that funds were spent wisely to provide essential services.
As a result, revenue collection rose from 850bn/- per month before his term to 1.3tri/- during the administration.
He also recalled President Magufuli’s decision to reduce overseas trips and the size of leaders’ entourages, saying it was a deliberate measure to save public funds for essential infrastructure and services.
“When he called me, he cut the number of days leaders spent abroad and reduced their entourages. He told me, ‘I have shown you an example. You have done well in collecting revenue, so why spend it carelessly? Do not repeat that mistake,’” Dr Mpango recalled.
He added that the late President Magufuli strongly demanded that public funds should be directed to initiatives that directly benefit citizens.
Above all, Dr Mpango said, Dr Magufuli was a God-fearing leader who prioritised prayer during difficult times.
Former Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa also praised Dr Magufuli’s patriotic leadership, noting his integrity, hard work, and accountability.
“Patriotism is built on accountability, trust, integrity and a genuine love for development. The late leader was honest and strict; he did not tolerate wrongdoing. He condemned theft and corruption involving public resources and anyone who violated these principles faced dismissal,” Mr Majaliwa said.
He added that Dr Magufuli trained his subordinates well, ensuring that the skills and discipline he instilled continued even after his passing.
ALSO READ: JPM’S FIFTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY: VP urges selflessness, courage
He urged citizens to continue praying for the late president’s eternal rest and to uphold his enduring legacy. Former Prime Minister Mr Mizengo Pinda echoed similar sentiments, lauding Dr Magufuli’s firm stance against corruption.
“When it came to fundamental ethical issues, he stood firm. If someone was involved in theft or bribery, their relationship with him ended immediately. As Tanzanians, we have much to learn from him,” Mr Pinda said.
On his side, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice-Chairman (Mainland), Mr Stephen Wasira, described Dr Magufuli as a decisive leader who implemented TANU’s longstanding vision to relocate the country’s administrative capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
He also praised the late President’s management of natural resources, including minerals, as an expression of his patriotism and commitment to improving citizens’ living standards.
Dr Magufuli restructured royalty payments from major mining companies, increasing contributions from 3 per cent to 16 per cent for the government.
Mr Wasira noted that as former CCM national Chairperson, Dr Magufuli effectively executed the party’s election manifestos throughout his presidency.
He pledged that CCM will continue to cherish and uphold Magufuli’s legacy, which contributed to the development of both the party and the nation.
No comments :
Post a Comment