DAR ES SALAAM: SPEAKER of Parliament and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Dr Tulia Ackson has sworn in the newly nominated Member of Parliament, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Last Sunday, Amb Kombo was nominated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the Member of Parliament. He was also appointed by the Head of the State to be the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Prior to his new roles, the envoy was representing Tanzania in Italy.
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Shortly after the swearing in exercise at the Parliament’s sub offices in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Speaker Tulia asked Amb Kombo to assist President Samia in ensuring the continuation of strong relationship between Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC) and the international community.
She stated that President Samia is implementing a number of plans, and all leaders have the responsibility to support her in executing them, as she has entrusted them.
“We believe you will continue to collaborate with other leaders and the citizens to ensure the wheel of this country’s development continues to move forward,” said Dr Tulia.
She congratulated Amb Kombo on being entrusted by the President to hold the parliamentary position, stating that these positions are few and being among them is a great honour.
The Speaker stated that Amb Kombo was sworn in as an MP in accordance with Article 68 of the Constitution, Rule No 30, which states that before a Member of Parliament participates in parliamentary activities, he/she must have taken the oath of allegiance before the Speaker.
She also explained the reason for the swearing-in in Dar es Salaam, saying Section (2) (b) of the parliamentary rules and its amendments, states that a Member of Parliament will be sworn in in the area arranged by the Speaker, whether outside the parliament or within the parliament.
“The rules allow a Member of Parliament to be sworn in any place where the Speaker has directed, whether outside the Parliament or in the Parliament. Today, we have done it in Dar es Salaam, but we could have done it in any other place and our rules allow that,” she said.
As he took the oath to be a parliamentarian, Amb Kombo now awaits to be sworn in as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, taking over from Mr January Makamba, whose appointment was revoked by President Samia last Sunday.
In attendance at the swearing in event were some of the parliamentarians including the Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Tax and the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mr Dennis Londo who is in charge of East African Cooperation.
