CCM leaders vow discipline, clean politics

DODOMA: NEWLY appointed Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leaders have pledged to strengthen party discipline, uphold clean politics and ensure the ruling party remains close to the people.

They unveiled their priorities on Thursday during a reception for newly appointed members of the CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) Secretariat at the party’s headquarters, popularly known as the White House.

Those welcomed included Deputy Secretary-General Aggrey Mwanri, NEC Secretary for Organisation Paul Chacha and Secretary for Economic Affairs Jamal Kassim.

Speaking at the event, CCM Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), Mr Aggrey Mwanri said the new leadership would work both within and outside the party without victimising anyone. Mr Mwanri said everything they do would reflect the responsibility entrusted to them by Tanzanians, including tackling corruption, embezzlement and the misuse of public resources.

“A government’s greatest strength anywhere in the world is that it commands respect. We will not victimise anyone,” Mr Mwanri said.

He added that all their actions must serve the interests of Tanzanians and thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for promoting national reconciliation, saying the initiative would bring significant benefits to the country.

The outspoken politician also urged young people to recognise both their identity and their responsibility towards the nation. Meanwhile, the party’s head of the Organisation Department, Paul Chacha, said CCM would not tolerate bribery during internal elections or allow anyone’s democratic rights to be violated.

He said the party’s large membership was not threatened by opposition parties but required fresh ideas to remain vibrant. Mr Chacha said he would ensure that justice prevails in elections and that the interests of employees are protected.

“Some people believe that when the time comes, they can simply use money to win. Instead of wasting that money, invest it in business. We will not allow bribery, and if you are found engaging in it, you would rather withdraw from the race,” Mr Chacha said.

He also called for an end to incitement, dishonesty and hypocrisy, urging members instead to focus on delivering results. On his part, CCM Secretary for Economic Affairs, Mr Jamal Kassim thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the confidence she had shown by nominating them to the party positions.

He said that within four days of assuming office, he had reviewed the party’s financial and economic systems and found that substantial reforms had already been implemented. Mr Kassim said the party chairperson had directed leaders to strengthen supervision of existing investment projects while identifying new ones to increase revenue.

“We must ensure strict compliance with financial systems and regulations while paying greater attention to employees’ welfare,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Members of Parliament from Dodoma Region, Mr George Simbachawene thanked the CCM Chairperson for assembling what he described as a strong leadership team.

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“If this were a football team, it would be Spain. I believe the right people have been assigned to the right responsibilities,” he said.

He assured the new leaders of the MPs’ full support whenever called upon. Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said implementation of the CCM election manifesto was progressing and helping to strengthen Dodoma’s status as the country’s capital city.

She cited major projects completed under the previous manifesto, including the State House and the High Court building, as well as ongoing projects such as the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, Msalato International Airport and a modern football stadium.

CCM NEC Secretary for Ideology and Publicity, Kenani Kihongosi said President Samia’s administration had recorded major achievements in energy, health and education despite criticism from some quarters.

“Tanzania is safe under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and CCM. The development we are witnessing should give us confidence as we continue to trust our party and move forward,” he said.