CCM AT CROSS ROAD AGAIN !

The Central Committee of the ruling party CCM has warned six party members who were quizzed last week for conducting premature campaigns that they will be closely monitored for the next twelve months.The committee gave the statement after the six members were said to have violated the party’s leadership and ethics regulations and those of the public in general by running campaigns prematurely.The members who were questioned include former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye, resigned Prime Minister Edward Lowasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Bernard Membe, Minister of State, President's Office, Social Relations and Coordination, Stephen Wassira, Deputy Minister for Communication, Science and Technology January Makamba and former Minister for Energy and Minerals William Ngeleja.


Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, CCM Ideology and Publicity Secretary Nape Nnauye said the CC decision followed party meetings conducted between February 13 and 18, this year by the ethics sub-committee, Discipline and Control Commission and the CC meeting."After interrogating them, it was realised that some of the allegation levelled against them were true and so appropriate punishment recommended. The recommendations were forwarded to the discipline and control commission which submitted them to the CCM CC which approved the punishment,” he said.Nnauye said the CC has also directed the sub-committee to investigate and take action against all people who were involved in one way or another in acts which violate the Party’s regulations.That’s the backdrop against which I place the controversy surrounding the presidential chase within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), as the 2015 polls beckon.

Opinion is broadly split between those who feel that, individuals who judge themselves suitable as flag bearers, and who have track records they reckon may be an asset in their favour, should be free to make their intention open; and those who castigate it as a manifestation of power-hunger, and, on the party’s administrative front, a breach of norms and procedures.It’s a crossroads situation. Is the old order feasible: of the national chairman, on behalf a top decision-making organ, announcing that, Mr Fulani is the party’s choice; an individual whose character and service record may not ring loud enough bells in the members’ ears ?

Is it possible, maybe, that the person could be a behind-the-scenes super-performer (unlike a highly visible ‘mchangani’ footballer) who could perform wonders once thrust into the hot Ikulu seat and spring surprises upon one’s compatriots ?On the other hand, if self-advertisement is permitted, where should the line be drawn between a self-seeker backed by a clique of opportunists, and genuinely State House material that would be, first and foremost, a patriot, and other considerations, being secondary, and below that