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CUF condemns Kingunge statement on graft charges
2007-09-20 10:05:54
By Lydia Shekighenda
The opposition Civic United Front has condemned the statement by Political Affairs and Civil Societies Relations minister Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru on corruption allegations levelled against some government officials.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the party’s Acting Director for Human Rights and Public Relations Mbarala Maharagande said CUF was displeased with the statement issued by Ngombale.
Maharagande said the fourth phase government got into power through takrima, which, he said, had been rejected by the High Court after it was realised that it was a euphemism for corruption.
He said the ongoing corruption scandals being unearthed in the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi elections was a clear indication of how the general election in the country was conducted.
``Leaders from the opposition camp have raised the issue of corruption to the public to fight ignorance, disease and poverty,” said the CUF leader.
He said the move came after they had failed to use democratic ways to present it to Parliament, adding that whoever attempted to speak faced suspension.
``A minister responsible for political affairs is supposed to advise the President on measures to be taken against those involved in corruption. Should it be proven wrong, it would be defamation,” Maharagande said.
He added that whoever doubted the names implicated in the corruption scandals should go to court where documentary evidence would be produced.
He said the opposition camp, in collaboration with other civil societies, would proceed to awaken people to fight for their rights for the benefit of present and next generations.
The ongoing countrywide tour by the opposition camp followed the suspension of Kigoma North MP Zitto Kabwe from attending Bunge sessions until January 2008 allegedly for lying in Parliament.
On Tuesday, Kingunge threatened opposition leaders undertaking a countrywide tour with arrest. He said the tours amounted to abuse of freedom of assembly and expression.
He said CCM and its government were the only custodians of the country’s democracy and that the opposition should not force it to arrest them for breaking the law.
Kingunge was responding to allegations by the opposition camp condemning corruption by government officials under what they said was awakening the people to fight for their rights.
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