Tom Mosoba
9 May 2011
Dodoma - President Jakaya Kikwete yesterday took issue with apparent disunity, poor communication and coordination among those held accountable for the stewardship of ministries, factors he noted, were costing the Tanzanian government in terms of leadership, image and collective responsibility.
Opening a four days consultative workshop for top government officials, Mr Kikwete told ministers and permanent secretaries to always remember that decision reached by the cabinet should be treated as collective stand and no one should start disowning it.
Ministers were told to ensure they did not skip Parliamentary sessions or cabinet meetings due to any excuse. Mr Kikwete also said it was unethical for any ministers to oppose a government Bill simply because it was brought to the house by another minister.
He said at all times, those appointed to senior positions must strive to be people of integrity, hardworking and role models for the whole country.
He allowed those who would not like to support such stands, to leave the government.
On the other hand, he warned them against armchair leadership, calling them to leave the comfort of their offices and demonstrate their effectiveness in delivery out in the field. The President said he was concerned some appointees to top positions in his administration could be sleeping on the job or doing very little to show for the privilege and trust he bestowed them.
The meeting is in line with the administration's style of providing a platform for the orientation of the officials to chart the best way to implement government programmes to meet set targets and fulfill ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto for the next five years.
Among other things, the meeting has lined up for discussion the country's economy, Agriculture, employment, union affairs, security, governance and other cross-cutting issues.
President Kikwete gave a candid overview of the performance of those he entrusted with the leadership of ministries, while dishing out a few tips, tricks and directives to help them stay in sync with his expectations and those of the general public.