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CUF wants Kikwete to sack Morogoro RC
2007-04-30 09:38:22
By Jane Mkonya
The Civil United Front (CUF) has called on President Jakaya Kikwete, to immediately sack the Morogoro Regional Commissioner Major Gen. (rtd) Said Kalembo on allegations of violating laws, good governance and human rights in the region.
The CUF Human Rights and Public Communication Director, Mbaralah Maharagande said at a press conference in Dar es Salaam last week that Kalembo differed with the Minister of State in Prime Ministers Offcie Regional Administration and Local Governments- Mizengo Pinda who upholds laws related to election of village leaders.
``We have confidence in the performance of the fourth-phase government of Kikwete, but are disappointed with some of the Regional Commissioners, District and Municipal authorities,`` said Maharagande.
Maharagande cited Kalembo whom he claimed ordered a ban on CUF chairman of Magore in Kilosa, Ally Ngulugu, lawfully elected by the citizens to lead Magole village in accordance with Local Government laws.
Ngulugu was elected by the villagers to become a chairman of the village, and while chairing a meeting, Kalembo is alleged to have interrupted and declared that he was no longer in chair from that day.
He said the decision taken by the RC, is against the very laws established by local government authorities.
``If the Regional Commissioner who was not elected by the people, unilaterally undertakes to ban legally elected chairpersons, where is the practice of governance, so often preached by the government?`` he asked.
We see the RC`s act as against the minister who fully recognizes the lawfully elected chairman.
In his view, Kalembo has no authority to breach democratic fundamentals, law and human right which President Kikwete ardently holds dear, he said.
``Instead, he has been pushing around the residents as if Morogoro is an army camp. He does not want to see or listen to the people, and even ignores people who contribute to water projects, construction of schools,`` he said.
The `deposed` chairman, Ngulugu, said he decided to open a case at Kilosa District Court to contest the ban, but alleged that Kalembo pressurized the magistrate to decide against him and ordered re-election.
``We have decided to appeal at the high court of Tanzania, but the magistrate refused to give us the procedural analysis of the charges, causing delay to the hearing of our appeal,`` said Ngulungu.
Ngulugu claimed the people are against the unfair decision by Kalembo, and are reluctant to participate in development projects.
``Residents of Magobe have decided to openly show that they cannot be forced around, and have begun to refrain from cooperating in development projects,`` he concluded.
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