What criteria should we use to endorse a Presidential candidate in 2015? As from today, I will be comparing those who have, albeit remotely, shown interest to vie for presidency, with former leaders of our beloved country.
EDWARD MORINGE SOKOINE
Was born on 1st August 1938 in Monduli. 1948-54(Monduli Primary School), 1955-1958 (Umbwe Sec School). In 1961 he joined TANU. 1962-63 he studied Administration in FDR. I964-65 he was the Monduli DEO. In 1965 he was elected MP. In 1967 he was apponted Deputy Minister-Communication. In 1970 he became Minister of State. In 1972 he was appointed Minister for Defence. From 13th Feb 1977 to 7th Nov 1980 he was TZ's PM. From 24th April 1983 to 12th April 1984 when he died in a tragic car accident at Dumila, Moro he served as PM. Consequently, 12th April 1984 was the darkest day in TZ. It was the day that has remained inelibly engraved in the minds of most Tanzanians.
Sokoine was a soft-spoken non-nonsense leader. He was a man of few words as he was action-oriented. He stated on 1st Dec 1983 thus-"People dont eat words, they eat the fruits of labour". He always wanted to see things done and done now, not tomorrow. He was no friend to lazy indicisive workers and leaders alike. He stated on 26th March 1983-"Ole wake Kiongozi mzembe na asiye na nidhamu nikimkuta. Kiongozi wa Siasa hana usalama wowote. Usalama wake ni kudra ya Mungu na wananchi tu. Viongozi wazembe na wabadhilifu siku zao zinahesabika".
Sokoine was workaholic and his lifestyle was the epitome of a selfless leadership without corruption. Many wondered whether he had any time for his family and private matters. He came from a very humble beginning and never amassed wealth. He was a man of impecable intergrity.
Sokoine used to call a spade a spade and always fought for the marginalized. He was a patriotic leader who loved people from the bottom of his heart. He spent most of his time at work, criss-crossing the country to learn problems facing people . He prefered to listen stories from both conflicting sides before making decisions and followed up his directives to the letter. He was loved by all Tanzanians save economic saboteurs and criminals. He was a true son of our soil and the epitome of hardwork. This was a man who was the brainchild of the city commuter buses "Daladala".
Sokoine lived a sacrificial life as he sacrificed his life for his people. He worked in some of the Country's highest offices yet he died like a pauper and thus left a legacy to be emulated. He lived within his means regardless countless opportunities of amassing wealth. On 2nd Sep 1983 he stated -"I dont feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle and always want more and more". Hon. M. Pinda stated on 12th April 2011 -"Sokoine alitoa 50% ya mshahara wake kutunisha mfuko wa Rais wa Nguvu Kazi kusaidia watu wa kipato cha chini". Indeed, Sokoine will go down the memory lane as an outstanding leader.
According to his 2nd wife, Napono, inteviewed by the Arusha times on 25th Oct 2003 -"Sokoine didnt have much property of his own as he dedicated all his life serving his people. He had only 1 small house he built before he joined politics. He had 2 pairs of shoes and had no car of his own". THAT WAS SOKOINE FOR YOU!!
For Sokoine it was -"ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY
EDWARD NGOYAI LOWASA
Was born on 26th. 8. 1953 in Monduli. 1961-67 (Monduli Pr School), 1968-71 (Arusha Sec School), 1972-73 (Milambo High School), 1974-77 (UDSM-BA (Theatres Arts), 1983-84;Masters, UK. 1989-90 MD-AICC, 90-93 Minister of State, 1993-95 Minister for Lands.
In 1995, he sought the nomination of CCM as its Presidential candidate but was eliminated in the early stages single-handedly by the father of the nation Mwl J.K. Nyerere who strongly and rightly believed that LOWASA WAS NOT A CORRECT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL. In 1997-2000, he was appointed Minister of State-Environment.In 2000, he was appointed Minister of Water. On 30th Dec 2005 he took office as PM and resigned on 7th Feb 2008 following a corruption scandal-RICHMONDULI. He thus has gone into record as the only PM to have been forced to resign by a fraud scandal in the history of Tanzania.
Lowasa is now allegedly preparing to navigate his way to the nation's highest office. Lowasa's qualities, in my view, are Dishonesty, Legendary Volcanic temper tantrums, sulking, vanity, bungling and boasting in both public and private functions. He seems to have been born believing it was his destiny to become TZ El Presidente!
Lowasa is one of the richest politicians if not the richest in TZ. He is a politician cum entepreneur who has created a successful business empire consisting of several companies in only 2 decades. He has made massive investments (Real estate) and owns a considerable no of shares in many companies eg VODACOM. His vast richness notwithstanding, hunger, diseases, illeteracy, unemployment and abject poverty suprisingly still stalk 97% of Mondulians!!! Lowasa is famous for extravagant lifestyle. While he is living a luxurious lifestyle, most Tanzanians cant even afford to eat twice a day! Lowasa's lavish lifestyle is contray to Nyerere's advice given on 7th. 7. 1985-"Politicians lifestyles should never be far removed from the electorate".
As PM, he made some bold decisions but only when he had a personal interest. Sometimes he was making impromptu desicions without considering the consequences. He also had no respect for the rule of law eg firing civil servants at public rallies without affording them an opportunity to be heard!
Of all Tanzanians who have indirectly indicated their interest for the top job, Lowasa is the most wicked of them all. He is a cold-blooded opportunist, a person who cares nothing but his quest for personal glory. All he knows is himself, his immediate family and a den of corrupt disciples including some Ministers. He doesnt care for any Tanzanian child although he has, for a long time, pretended to.
Lowasa nicknamed LO-RUSHWA is obsessed with amassing wealth and self-aggrandsement and he is alleged to be one of those who own accounts in Switzerland and he was one of those named by Dr Slaa in his list of shame.
His son, Freddy born on 26th. 8. 1977 is alegedly one of the wealthiest young Tanzanians. On 3rd. 12. 2010, Freddy told Raia Mwema "Mi nashangaa sana. Watu wanasahau mi ni mfanyabiashara wa zaidi ya miaka 10. Nafanya biashara nyingi tu na moja ni ALPHATEL. Sisi ni wakala wa Vodacom na turnover yetu kwa mwezi ni BILIONI NANE. Sasa wanatarajia mfanyabiashara mkubwa kama mimi nisiwe tajiri? Watu wa ajabu sana hawa!".
If Lowasa wins in 2015 wont he turn IKULU into a den of corruption? I strongly believe he will legalize a culture of corruption which takes several forms eg nepotism, favouratism, emblezzlement etc. For Lowasa it is "ASK NOT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY BUT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU!
CONCLUSION
The two EDWARDS are opposite in character and in conduct.
WAY FOWARD
Now therefor, what criteria should we use? Do we need a corrupt business Mogul like LO-RUSHWA to be our next Presidaa or an honest, workholic, down to earth, Sokoine-like guy who would not only serve this nation with a perfect combination of high intergrity, patriotism and loyalty but also who would sacrifice alot for this rich turned poor nation?Please dont tell me that among us Tanzanians (45 Million) no one has Sokoine's qualities or at laest half of them!.
What do you think, Great thinkers? Over to you!!!
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