President Samia: No one is indispensable

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan issued a warning to government officials yesterday, including ministers, on the importance of serving the people and living up to their oaths of office.

Speaking at the Dar es Salaam State House after swearing in various leaders, President Samia called on officials to priorities the interests of citizens and avoid the misuse of power for personal gain.

“Go and serve the citizens; I do not expect you to mock or belittle them because they are the of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities).

President Samia praised the new appointees for their previous good work but cautioned against complacency.

“Those of you who are used to using your positions for personal gain or to elevate yourselves before lifting the nation, reform yourselves,” she urged.

She added, “All leaders who have taken the oath, this authority is a trust, and a trust demands work. Authority is like a borrowed garment; it does not fully and permanently cover the body. Therefore, let us go and honour our duties as our principles and guidelines require.”

President Samia said oath was significant, noting, “The oath you have taken has great significance. Everyone held the book they believe in, witnessed by God, the authorities, and the citizens. Being loyal to Tanzania means protecting the constitution and implementing its directives.

“Article 8 (1) (a) of the Tanzania Constitution states that citizens are the foundation of all government authority, and the government derives its power from the citizens. Therefore, when you sit in your positions, remember that it is the citizens who put us here,” President Samia said.

Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango also spoke at the event, congratulating the appointees, including reminding them of their responsibilities.

“Let no one, including myself as Vice-President, think that their position cannot be filled by someone else. No one should ever think they are indispensable. It is crucial to remember that as leaders, the Commander-in-Chief can change her team at any time,” he said.

President Samia also addressed the ministers who were transferred to different sectors, congratulating them on their previous work and encouraging them to continue their efforts in their new roles.

For instance, she praised Mr Silaa for his work in resolving land issues and encouraged him to apply the same dedication to the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology.

She emphasised the importance of the information sector in implementing the 4R philosophy and maintaining the freedom of information. “There is a major project for the construction of towers through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF). Ensure that the project is well continued to improve radio reception and enable citizens to communicate,” she said.

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For Ndejembi, President Samia encouraged him to continue the work started by his predecessor in resolving land disputes.

She urged him to travel across Tanzania to address the issues effectively.

Mr Kikwete was commended for his previous work as Deputy Minister. President Samia tasked him with ensuring that the creation of job opportunities for young people is coordinated across various sectors. “Your job is to coordinate, not to create jobs yourself, but to ensure that sectors create jobs for young people,” she said.

She also directed him to oversee the sustainable management of social security funds, which hold the savings of workers, not government funds.

For Ambassador Kombo, she spoke on the importance of the portfolio of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in maintaining Tanzania’s international relations.

“This ministry is the heart of the government. The image of our country and government will be shaped by this ministry. Ensure that the recommendations made by the committee on reviewing the ministry are implemented. Address issues of excessive bureaucracy and maintain close relations with ambassadors from other countries,” she said.

President Samia reminded all leaders that their positions are a trust, and they must prioritise the nation’s interests above their own.

“The government we lead is under the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Serve the citizens, as they are our employers.”

The event also saw the swearing-in of other key officials, including Deus Sangu as Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance); Dennis Londo as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation for East African Affairs; and Cosato Chumi as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Other notable appointments included Eliakim Maswi as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mary Makondo as Ruvuma Regional Administrative Secretary and Kiseo Nzowa as Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary.