Former CHADEMA leader rallies citizens to avoid polls protests

SINGIDA: FORMER Vice-Chairperson of CHADEMA’s Central Zone, Mr Jackson Jingu, who recently joined the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has called on citizens to refrain from participating in protests that could disrupt peace ahead of the General Election on Wednesday.

Mr Jingu made the statement yesterday shortly after formally defecting to CCM during a special meeting of the Singida Regional Political Committee.

He noted that even those who have been mobilising protests are unlikely to participate, with some reportedly already outside the country.

“All statements deliberately issued to trigger protests by certain political parties should be condemned to safeguard the country’s peace,” Mr Jingu said.

Mr Jingu was officially welcomed into CCM by Dr Philip Mpango, Member of the CCM Central Committee and the incumbent Vice-President.

The event, held at CCM’s Regional Headquarters in Singida, was also attended by Dr Bashiru Ally, the party’s former Secretary-General and Central Zone electoral campaign coordinator.

Mr Jingu call for citizens to avoid being engaged in politics echoes similar sentiments which have been made recently by others former CHADEMA members who defected to CCM including Mr Ezekiel Wenje.

Speaking during the presidential campaign rally in Kagera Region recently, Mr Wenje warned against offensive politics saying they lack leadership vision.

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He said that a true leader values the life of citizens and is ready to fight with arguments and policies not through threats or controversial statements.

Mr Wenje said peace is the foundation for national development and therefore, he has decided to join CCM to clearly show that he does not support those planning to hold demonstrations during the Election Day.

He also condemned plans of protests by some diasporas who have been mobilising citizens back home to march.

At a campaign rally in Dar es Salaam last week, Wenje appealed to citizens, particularly residents of Dar es Salaam not to be swayed by inflammatory messages circulating on social media.

He encouraged them to turn out in large numbers to vote for the party, so that it may continue implementing major development projects.

“Development has no political affiliation, the work being done benefits everyone, not only CCM members,” said Mr Wenje.

Another CHADEMA cadre who crossed to CCM, Reverend Peter Msigwa pointed out that the major initiatives being undertaken by President Samia Suluhu Hassan focus on tackling the three main enemies of development ignorance, disease and poverty.

He explained that President Samia has been expanding access to healthcare and education by constructing sufficient hospitals, dispensaries and secondary schools across the country.

Rev Msigwa further noted that President Samia is a leader who values human dignity, a quality reflected through the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign, which has reached rural areas and provided legal assistance to low-income citizens.

He added that this initiative has also helped resolve numerous disputes, including those related to land.

He underscored that, for the successful implementation of national development projects, Tanzania needs a political party with a clear vision, ideology and a firm manifesto that prioritises the welfare of its people.

Rev Msigwa said the CCM has consistently demonstrated such qualities throughout its history