JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
President Samia orders the Police to stop searching for Bishop Gwajima
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mwigulu Nchemba, has stated that President Samia has directed the Police Force to cease their search for Bishop Josephat Gwajima, contrary to their initial announcement, so that he may continue with his activities and provide an opportunity to build national unity.Speaking at a public meeting held at the Magufuli Stadium in Leganga, Usa River, Arumeru District in Arusha City, Minister Mwigulu explained that since the Resurrection and Life Church (Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima) has been granted a pardon, it is important for its leader also to come forward publicly and continue his duties as usual.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many are questioning: what crime has Gwajima been forgiven for? What did he do to warrant a search? Was his crime offering advice that security organs should have increased authority in their operations so they can perform their duties freely without interference from appointing authorities?
Others view this as a tactic to lure Gwajima out into the open so they can arrest him easily, as it appears they have searched for him extensively without success. They have urged Gwajima to remain in hiding until he is 100% satisfied that it is safe for him to come out, so that he does not meet the same fate as Humphrey Polepole.
Mwigulu: Activists are being paid to incite violence in the country; recently, a youth was given TZS 5 billion
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mwigulu Nchemba, has claimed that the Government has identified agitators and activists funded from abroad who are seeking to disrupt peace in the country. He gave an example of one youth, whom he did not name, stating that during past demonstrations, they intercepted a message showing he was given approximately TZS 5 Billion to incite violence in the name of 'Democracy'.While on a tour in the Arusha region, Minister Mwigulu said that as violence increases in the country, these activists earn more income, and he urged citizens to refuse to be persuaded to engage in any planned violence intended to benefit these activists.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many view this statement as Government propaganda aimed at misleading the public and avoiding answering tough questions regarding killings, brutality, abductions, corruption, and lack of accountability. Some said that if these claims were valid, the suspect would have been arrested and taken to court with solid evidence - but since it is a plan to evade accountability, they are grasping at straws to see whether the public will accept the explanation.
Furthermore, others say that, as Prime Minister, he should not appear before the public to spread rumors; he should have come out with complete information, otherwise it becomes gossip and demonstrates his unsuitability for the position.
Others have joked that if someone is paying TZS 5 billion for citizens to demand rights, then they should be given the money to do that work, which benefits the nation. Meanwhile, they told the Government to stop coming to the citizens with explanations that even a small child knows are lies, as a good leader takes accountability.
CHADEMA: Ukonga Prison has blocked Party Leaders from seeing Chairman Lissu
The Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA) has issued a statement complaining about the Prisons Service's move to block party leaders, including Secretary General John Mnyika and Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, from seeing their National Chairman, Tundu Lissu, at Ukonga Prison. The party says this restriction, which officers described as special instructions, violates detainees' fundamental right to be visited by relatives or leaders.CHADEMA has termed this move as political harassment and misuse of state organs, and demands that the Prisons Service explain the restriction. They also called on local and international stakeholders to monitor the threats to democracy and Lissu's safety. The party stated it will take legal, political, and diplomatic measures to protect the rights of its leaders.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many citizens have expressed anger at this move, saying it is being done under increasing pressure from demonstrations, suggesting that allowing Lissu to see other people could increase citizens' motivation to demand rights and participate in those demonstrations.
Additionally, some suspect that perhaps Lissu has been harmed, and they are looking for a way to hide it until he has been treated before releasing him, because if it becomes known, it could increase public anger and trigger violence early, before December 9.
