DAR ES SALAAM: VETERAN politicians and political analysts have expressed optimism over the appointment of Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi as the new Secretary General of the ruling party CCM.
They believe that his vast political experience and popularity within the party casts a bright future for CCM and the country’s politics in general.
After the endorsement of Dr Nchimbi to fill the void left by Daniel Chongolo, who stepped down a few months ago, analysts expressed beliefs that Nchimbi would unite CCM cadres and bring new ideas.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, former CCM Secretary General Mr Yusufu Makamba said that Dr Nchimbi would certainly deliver as the party’s executive.
He congratulated Ambassador Nchimbi and the CCM’s Central Committee, stating that Nchimbi’s appointment aligns with the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s advice that part should always appoint a leader who would amass majority acceptance and bring excitement.
Mr Makamba added that Dr Nchimbi’s experience and acceptance would be a perfect addition to the party’s hierarchy under Chairperson Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He oozed confidence that the new secretary general would lead the party to victory in the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE), slated for this year and the general election, which is due next year.
Mr Makamba emphasised that Dr Nchimbi would bring new energy and experience to the party’s technical team, tasked with fostering unity and solidarity among all members.
He urged CCM members to support the new secretary general and embrace unity in order to achieve the party’s goals.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and CCM’s first Executive Secretary, Mr Pius Msekwa, commended the party’s decision to appoint Ambassador Nchimbi.
He believes that Nchimbi’s extensive experience with the party’s activities would serve the party well.
Ambassador Gertrude Mongella expressed her high expectations for Dr Nchimbi, citing his experience as a key ingredient for him to excel in the position.
She emphasised the need to unite the party for development.
Former Chairperson of the Tanzania Political Parties Council (TPPC), Mr John Shibuda, highlighted Dr Nchimbi’s experience in different ministerial positions as a tool for cementing good relations within the party and its organs.
He advised Nchimbi to lead with transparency to win public trust.
Another veteran politician and ex-cabinet Minister, Mr Paul Kimiti, believed that Dr Nchimbi’s experience would be crucial in rebuilding the party.
He urged the new Secretary General to stick to the truth and observe teamwork and cooperation.
Various serving politicians also reacted to Dr Nchimbi’s appointment. The Minister for Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, compared Dr Nchimbi to a midfield player in a football team, with Dr Samia as the striker.
The Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, stated that the ruling party’s quality is defined by its ability to produce good leaders, while the Minister for Health, Ms Ummy Mwalimu, commended Dr Nchimbi’s appointment as the new Secretary General, saying ‘he is the right choice at the right time.’
Economist Dr Isaac Safari, based at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), appreciated Dr Nchimbi’s appointment and emphasised the need for intensive investment in the agriculture sector to connect the party with farmers, who make up 60 per cent of the population.
Political Analyst Dr Ahmad Sovu, from Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, described Dr Nchimbi as a result-oriented leader and a diplomat with the ability to argue on different issues related to the party’s development.
A public relations expert Mr Merdad Wilfred, based in Mwanza, advised the ruling CCM’s Secretary General to apply a two-way communication model, which involves listening to citizens’ concerns while conveying the party’s agenda. He believed that strengthening credibility and trust of the party would come from this approach.
