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Mengi reveals state 'secrets'
Adam Lusekelo, 28th April 2009
The nation's collective jaw dropped in amazement last Wednesday when IPP boss, Reggie Mengi called a press conference and revealed a state secret. He publicly named five alleged "corruption sharks" in the country, saying they were allegedly responsible for the looting of billions of shillings of public money.
Mengi named names of some prominent individuals, all Tanzanians of Indian descen (Rostam Aziz, Tanil Somaiya, Yusuf Manji, Jeetu Patel and Subash Patel) who, he alleged, were "involved in almost all scandals that have happened in our country." "The number of people who are accused of being especially corrupt in our country do not exceed ten ... But out of the ten, these five are accused of being the sharks of corruption," he had said.
Corruption scandals allegedly linked to the named individuals are Richmond and Dowans power generating deals, the Bank of Tanzania external payment arrears (EPA) account scam, procurement scandals, scandals involving military helicopters and vehicles, the overpriced Gulf Stream presidential jet purchase and the Mchuchuma Coal project.
Other scandals allegedly associated with some of the named suspects include the $41 million military radar deal, national lottery dealings, and dubious deals with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Public Service Fund (PSPF). The 'accused' have claimed they are innocent.
One was cool: "As a Tanzanian citizen Mengi has a right to comment on any matter. But I don't know anything about his accusations. Maybe he knows what he is saying," he said. But another swung right back. He dismissed Mr Mengi's accusation as "baseless" saying that they were coming from a person with "a lot of problems". Tough words from both sides. No one expects Mr Mengi to be charged with treason.
The "secret" he has revealed has been widely known amongst all Tanzanians, an unofficial "state secret". Mengi is just the first high calibre man to say it publicly. There is more than meets the eye in this. "When you accuse the buddies of top government honchos of such dirt, you are simply touching raw nerves in government. Tanzanians are used to those people being untouchable. They are beyond approach," said an analyst.
But the analyst also said that to utter such accusations, Mr Mengi must have been given him a tacit nod to do so from some big guns in the government. They are the patriots who are fed up with the sell-outs. He had said: "Those have been lately behaving like they are the real rulers of Tanzania.
And why not? They seem to have some government officials in their rockets," said an analyst who preferred anonymity. In the latest move, the government has discredited Mengi for his assumption of the judiciary role, saying that he has no mandate. So the drama keeps on unfolding. So fasten your seat belts and brace for more entertainment to come.
"alusekelo@gmail.com"]alusekelo@gmail.com
adamlusekelo.blogspot.com
Adam Lusekelo, 28th April 2009
The nation's collective jaw dropped in amazement last Wednesday when IPP boss, Reggie Mengi called a press conference and revealed a state secret. He publicly named five alleged "corruption sharks" in the country, saying they were allegedly responsible for the looting of billions of shillings of public money.
Mengi named names of some prominent individuals, all Tanzanians of Indian descen (Rostam Aziz, Tanil Somaiya, Yusuf Manji, Jeetu Patel and Subash Patel) who, he alleged, were "involved in almost all scandals that have happened in our country." "The number of people who are accused of being especially corrupt in our country do not exceed ten ... But out of the ten, these five are accused of being the sharks of corruption," he had said.
Corruption scandals allegedly linked to the named individuals are Richmond and Dowans power generating deals, the Bank of Tanzania external payment arrears (EPA) account scam, procurement scandals, scandals involving military helicopters and vehicles, the overpriced Gulf Stream presidential jet purchase and the Mchuchuma Coal project.
Other scandals allegedly associated with some of the named suspects include the $41 million military radar deal, national lottery dealings, and dubious deals with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Public Service Fund (PSPF). The 'accused' have claimed they are innocent.
One was cool: "As a Tanzanian citizen Mengi has a right to comment on any matter. But I don't know anything about his accusations. Maybe he knows what he is saying," he said. But another swung right back. He dismissed Mr Mengi's accusation as "baseless" saying that they were coming from a person with "a lot of problems". Tough words from both sides. No one expects Mr Mengi to be charged with treason.
The "secret" he has revealed has been widely known amongst all Tanzanians, an unofficial "state secret". Mengi is just the first high calibre man to say it publicly. There is more than meets the eye in this. "When you accuse the buddies of top government honchos of such dirt, you are simply touching raw nerves in government. Tanzanians are used to those people being untouchable. They are beyond approach," said an analyst.
But the analyst also said that to utter such accusations, Mr Mengi must have been given him a tacit nod to do so from some big guns in the government. They are the patriots who are fed up with the sell-outs. He had said: "Those have been lately behaving like they are the real rulers of Tanzania.
And why not? They seem to have some government officials in their rockets," said an analyst who preferred anonymity. In the latest move, the government has discredited Mengi for his assumption of the judiciary role, saying that he has no mandate. So the drama keeps on unfolding. So fasten your seat belts and brace for more entertainment to come.
"alusekelo@gmail.com"]alusekelo@gmail.com
adamlusekelo.blogspot.com
