|
How many Samattas does Tanzania have?
2007-07-20 10:04:44
By Editor
His Lordship Barnabas Samatta, who has just retired as Chief Justice, uttered highly memorable words as he spoke to journalists on Wednesday on some of what he saw as milestones in his long and illustrious career in the country`s judiciary.
But perhaps the most quotable was his revelation that his otherwise excellent time was punctured by the discovery of disquieting levels of corruption in one of the three major pillars of the State - and one that ought to be looked at as the citadel of justice.
In the honourable judge`s own words, as reported in yesterday`s edition of this paper: ``What I have always found surprising is that some of the corrupt elements (in our country) were top officials of the judicial system.``
Given the grim scenario, it was small wonder that he was also heard explaining the many sleepless nights he has had trying to come to terms with the situation while at the same time exploring the options through which to kick the stigma of corruption out of the key department of which he was effectively the overall in-charge.
Some years ago, a presidential commission headed by a one-time prime minister, justice minister and attorney general came up with a damning report on the state of corruption in Tanzania that cited the judiciary as among the public institutions where the level of the vice was most alarming.
Understandably, the commission’s findings and recommendations did not go down very well with those who felt that their jobs were on the line following the revelations.
The rest is, possibly, history.
However, for all practical purposes, corruption in the country is as much a threat now as it has always been - and not only because of the fact that people are much freer now discussing the problem than they previously were.
One reason the vice has survived all measures to rein it in is that few have dared stare it in the face, bell the cat or do some soul-searching and reform.
For many the common temptation has been to stand witness but then conveniently look the other way, indifferently stand on the fence or pass the buck without the slightest of concern or remorse.
But Justice Samatta has always stood out as an outstanding exception with little parallel, and many who know him well enough both as a person and a prominent legal practitioner generously attest to this fact.
Yet, to all intents and purposes, this great Tanzania professional will now be watching the drama encapsulating the goings-on in the country from the sidelines.
Like most of his compatriots, he will shoot up and cheer or suffer with real bitterness - depending on the nature of the occasions presenting themselves.
Be that as it may, one thing we can be sure about is that Justice Samatta is just not the type of person to suffer corruption or any other criminal activity gladly even in retirement. But how many of us can - or will - emulate him?
|
