Developing story: Richmondgate to bring down Lowassa?

[tyk]

In an unprecedented incident in the Tanzania political history the parliamentary committee investigating the Richmond/Tanesco fiasco has presented its report which is highly critical of the government handling of the affair. All that happened on live TV this morning and it was unusual watching the likes of Lowassa and Karamagi being directly bashed by a report being read by a member of their own party.... This will perhaps be hottest story tomorrow... Today headlines like "Lowassa kitanzini", "Moshi wa Richmond wafukuta" appeared in some of the leading papers. Too bad stories don't get online so quickly down here, but here is a story anticipating the report: http://ippmedia.com/ipp/nipashe/2008/02/06/107798.html

It about time heads start rolling!

[tyk]

By the way, Lowassa has handed in his resignation this morning!



PM implicated in Richmond saga

2008-02-07 09:27:15
By Bilham Kimati and Angel Navuri


Prime Minister Edward Lowassa has been directly implicated in the Richmond saga as one of the architects behind the controversial contract that a report by the Parliamentary select committee has said violated the bidding process.


Presenting the report in the National Assembly yesterday, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, chairman of the select committee, said their findings had shown that Premier Lowassa had a hand in the whole issue.

Dr Mwakyembe`s committee was formed last year by the National Assembly to investigate circumstances that led the government to enter into a contract with Richmond Development Company LLC to generate power in 2006 when the country was facing power problems.

The select committee was formed after Members of Parliament said that they were not satisfied with the manner in which the tender was awarded to the American company to generate 100 megawatts of electricity and connect it into the national grid at a cost of 172.9bn/-

Speaking in the House yesterday, Dr Mwakyembe said that the bidding process was violated and that the whole issue smelt of corruption. He said his committee had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Richmond did not deserve to be awarded the tender.

``From detailed investigations outlined in this report, we would like to announce in this Parliament that Richmond Development Company LLC, which won the tender and eventually signed a contract with Tanesco on June 23, 2006 to generate 100 megawatts of electricity lacked experience, expertise and was financially incapacitated,``he said.

He said according to the committee`s findings, the firm had no share records or straight registration in the US or Tanzania and that the whole bidding process was marred by corruption and gross irregularities.

Richmond was later succeeded by Dowans Holdings.
Reading the report, Dr Mwakyembe said basing on what had happened as regards the whole saga, his committee had come up with 16 recommendations to make those responsible for this shameful act pay for their misdeeds.

He said due to the fact that the final selection of Richmond as the successful bidder was done by Prime Minister Lowassa himself on June 21, 2006, and due to the fact that he had exerted pressure to have Richmond awarded the tender, it was upon him, taking into consideration his position to the society, to ponder over the weight of the investigation and his responsibility to the nation.

Dr Mwakyembe also said it was upon Parliament which, according to the country`s constitution, endorses the appointment of a prime minister, to see whether the results of the investigation had not affected Lowassa`s reputation in the House.

Part of the proposal on this section reads: ``Article 52 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 stipulates that the Prime Minister is the overseer of all activities and head of government business in the House.

The committee is not happy to learn that the Prime Minister is implicated in favouring Richmond. Nevertheless, the committee has played its role transparently as directed by the Parliament``.

The committee also proposed that the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Nazir Karamagi, be taken to task for barring Tanesco from withdrawing from the agreement with Richmond.

The committee said Karamagi`s decision indicated that some entrusted leaders were out to advance their personal interests at the expense of national interests.

As for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau report which had cleared the Richmond/government contract, the committee said the report was nothing but a mere white wash.

The committee proposed that immediate changes in the Bureau`s management be made to restore public confidence in the institution entrusted to fight corruption and not to praise and cover blunders.

The committee also proposed that the Attorney General, Johnson Mwanyika, and his representative, Donald Chidowu, who formed part of the Government Negotiations Team, be fired immediately for failure to advise the government on the discerned irregularities in granting Richmond the tender undeservedly.

Apart from the urgency (power crisis) that the country faced at the time, says the report, the government should never ever take a lead in violating laid down rules and regulations.

Dr Mwakyembe said his committee failed to comprehend the degree of arrogance displayed by officials in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, who deliberately disregarded the advice by the cabinet on adherence to procurement procedures and for three times ignored technical advice by the Public Procurement Control Authority and ending up granting Richmond Development Company LLC the tender, leaving eight other applicants.

The report also discussed the need to review the Public Leadership Code of Ethics Act of 1995 to check on the uncalled-for tendency among some high-ranking government officials running private businesses while holding public offices, thus resulting in conflict of interest in making decisions rationally.

The committee further advised on the need for the government to abandon the colonial attitude that contracts between the government and private companies should remain secret even to the taxpayers.

``Parliamentary standing committees should be involved in the early preparations of agreements,`` Dr Mwakyembe said.

Last year the Minister for Plannin and Economic Empowerment, Dr Juma Ngasongwa defended the system of treating contracts as top secrets, saying it was the best practice.

Dr Mwakyembe however, said yesterday that treating contracts as top secrets would not help wananchi as when the government messes up it was the taxpayers who felt the pinch.

The committee`s report also implicated former Energy minister Dr Ibrahim Msabaha for confusion that reigned during the entire process, denying possibly more credible companies the right to win the tender.

Dr Mwakyembe said Msabaha was reported to have told legislators that he had no powers on the irregularities that marred the whole bidding process that favoured Richmond Development Company LLC because the company belonged to the `big boss,` meaning the prime minister.

``I am only taken as `Bangusilo,` meaning in the Zaramo tribe a sacrificial lamb to die for others,`` Dr Mwakyembe quoted Msabaha as saying.

However, interviewed MPs with regard to the validity of statements made out of oath said the truth would always remain truth.

``The person who speaks under oath and the same person speaking not under oath will be considered telling the truth. Perhaps he could not give details to the committee members during interrogation about the true ownership of the company fearing the consequences.

But since not being out of mind one`s statements will always hold water being under oath or not,`` said Jackson Makwetta, former Education minister.

Tension was high yesterday soon after Dr Mwakyembe had presented his committee`s report and cabinet ministers and legislators were seen in groups, probably contemplating the fate of Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.
The 165-page report will be discussed from today.

As we went to press legislators from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi were meeting in the Pius Msekwa Hall under the chairmanship of President Jakaya Kikwete.

SOURCE: Guardian

[fillar munuo]

i wonder if speaker of parliament knew what was in the report before it was presented.If you recall he refused the report to be read untill he came back from his trip(he was scheduled to visit us) all of a sudden the day before he was supposed to leave he cancel his visit and said he had to be there because of important issues.
I tell you if it walks like a duck,smells like a duck,eat like a duck,taste like a duck it is probably a duck!!I real want to know what TAKUKURU is going to say on this.

[Mariam]

...and quacks like a duck...I tell you, IT'S A DUCK!!

Tanzania is setting a good example! All these corrupted officials must be fired and prosecuted! You can surpress human beings for a while but not forever!! Tumejanjaruka! I am so proud of those who run the investigation in good faith and for the love of their country without any fear or protecting the bureaucracy!! This is a step forward kwa kweli!! Now it's time to put people with good work ethics, no more reshuffling!!

[fillar munuo]

2008-02-07 09:57:05
Na Gaudensia Mngumi na Restuta James, Dodoma


Kamati ya Bunge iliyochunguza mchakato wa kutoa zabuni ya kuzalisha umeme wa dharura kwa kampuni ya Richmond, imemtaja Waziri Mkuu, Bw. Edward Lowassa, kuwa mhusika mkuu aliyeshinikiza kutoa zabuni ya upendeleo kwa kampuni hiyo.

Kutokana na hali hiyo, kamati hiyo imependekeza kuwa Bw. Lowassa anapaswa kuamua kitu cha kufanya kwa kuwa katika suala hilo la Richmond halimweki mahali pazuri kisiasa na kimadaraka.

Aidha imependekeza kuwa Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Bw. Nazir Karamagi, katibu mkuu wa wizara hiyo na kamishna wa madini, wanatakiwa kuwajibishwa.

Wengine wanaotakiwa kuwajibishwa kwa mujibu wa mapendekezo ya kamati hiyo ni Waziri wa Nishati na Madini wa wakati huo, Dk. Ibrabim Msabaha na Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali.

Taarifa hiyo ya kamati ilisomwa bungeni jana na mwenyekiti wake, Dk. Harrison Mwakyembe, wakati akiiwasilisha rasmi kwa wabunge.

``Kamati imemshauri Waziri Mkuu Bw. Lowassa kuwa ni wajibu wake na kwa utashi wake kupima uzito wa matokeo ya uchunguzi huu na wajibu wake kikatiba ndani na nje ya Bunge na kufanya maamuzi,``ilisema.

Na kwa upande wa Bunge kamati imeliambia kuwa ndilo linalothibitisha uteuzi wa Waziri Mkuu kwa mujibu wa ibara ya 51 ya Katiba, hivyo liangalie ikiwa matokeo ya uchunguzi huu hayaathiri hadhi na uzito wake ndani ya Bunge.

Akibainisha taarifa zilizomhusisha Waziri Mkuu moja kwa moja katika kuipendelea kampuni ya Richmond, Dk. Mwakyembe alisema kamati yake ilipata baadhi ya nyaraka zinazoonyesha kuwa maelekezo na maamuzi mengi ya kutoa zabuni hiyo yalifanywa na Waziri Mkuu badala ya Wizara ya Nishati na Madini.

Aliwasilisha vielelezo kadhaa vya maandishi na kauli kubainisha jinsi kiongozi huyo wa juu wa serikali alivyoshiriki katika mradi huo.

Alimkariri Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Shirika la Umeme TANESCO, Balozi Flugence Kazaura, akieleza kuwa Richmond ni mradi wa Waziri Mkuu na washirika wake wa kibiashara.

Kadhalika Waziri wa Nishati na Madini wakati huo, Dk. Msabaha, alikaririwa na kamati akisema katika suala la Richmond yeye ni kondoo wa kafara, tena akitaja kwa lugha yake ya Kizaramo.

Alisema wawili hawa, Waziri Msabaha na Balozi Kazaura ni watu muhimu waliokuwa na siri juu ya mradi huu na kamati teule iliwaita mara kadhaa lakini hawakuwa tayari kuzungumza juu ya kushinikizwa.

``Kamati teule ikawaita kwa mara ya pili Dk. Msabaha na Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Nishati na Madini, Bw. Athur Mwakapugi kwa mahojiano zaidi. Wakiwa ndani ya kiapo walikataa katakata kuwa walipokea maagizo kutoka kwa Waziri Mkuu ya kuipa Richmond upendeleo.

\"Lakini Dk. Msabaha baada ya mahojiano chini ya kiapo, akaiuma sikio kamati teule kuwa katika suala hili atakuwa kondoo wa kafara au kwa Kizaramo `Bangusilo`.

Alisema maelezo hayo ya ziada nje ya kiapo yalioana na kauli aliyotoa Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya TANESCO, Balozi Kazaura Novemba 30, mwaka jana baada ya kumaliza mahojiano na kamati teule kwa kiapo.

``Richmond ilikuwa mradi wa Bwana Mkubwa na mshirika wake mkubwa, akimaanisha Mheshimiwa Waziri Mkuu na Bw. Rostam Aziz,`` alisema.

Huku akishangiliwa na wabunge kwa kupigiwa makofi mengi, Dk. Mwakyembe alisema: ``Hii haikuwa mara ya kwanza kwa Balozi Kazaura kuuhusisha uteuzi wa Richmond na mkono wa Waziri Mkuu.``

Alifafanua kuwa mara ya kwanza ilikuwa Januari 2007 ambapo mwenyekiti huyo alitoa maelezo kama hayo mbele ya wajumbe wa Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Uwekezaji na Biashara.

Dk. Mwakyembe aliliambia Bunge kuwa amelazimika kueleza hata mambo yaliyoelezwa kwa siri kiungwana kutokana na uzito wa suala lenyewe na dhamana kubwa waliyopewa na Bunge kuchunguza zabuni tata ya Richmond.

``Ni dhahiri kuwa kwa watumishi waaminifu hao wa serikali wasingeweza kumtaja Waziri Mkuu chini ya kiapo na hatua hiyo ilihitaji ujasiri mkubwa, pamoja na woga waliokuwa nao ni dhahiri... Ushahidi wa maandishi, wa mdomo na wa mazingira ambao kamati iliupata kutoka kwa mashahidi mbalimbali, unatosha kumuhusisha Waziri Mkuu katika suala hili la Richmond na haumweki mahali pazuri kisiasa na kimadaraka.

``Maelekezo ya mara kwa mara ya Waziri Mkuu kwa Wizara ya Madini na Nishati kwa kila hatua ya mchakato huo, upendeleo wa wazi ambao Richmond iliupata katika taasisi za serikali kama Kituo cha Uwekezaji ambacho kilifikia hatua ya kufumbia macho taratibu zake za msingi ili kuipa kampuni tanzu ya Richmond cheti cha uwekezaji kwa haraka, kutotimiza masharti ya bodi za makandarasi na wahandisi wa Wizara ya Nishati na Madini, kuikingia kifua kampuni hiyo isichukuliwe hatua za kisheria, uteuzi wa mwisho wa Richmond kufanywa na Waziri Mkuu mwenywe Juni 21, 2006, uamuzi wa kuiteua Richmond kuwa mkandarasi, kusafishwa na Taasisi ya Kupambana na Kuzua Rushwa (TAKUKURU) kuwa uteuzi wake ulikuwa wa wazi na wa haki, uamuzi wa serikali kuizuia TANESCO isivunje mkataba licha ya sababu zote kisheria kuwepo ni baadhi tu ya viasharia vya nguvu kubwa iliyo juu ya Wizara ya Nishati na Madini kutumika katika suala hili na kamati kutokana na ushahidi wa kimaandishi, kimazingira na wa mdomo inaiona nguvu hiyo kuwa ni Waziri Mkuu.``

Dk. Mwakyembe aliendelea: ``Uvumi wa kuhusika kwa Waziri Mkuu mwenyewe moja kwa moja na baadhi ya washirika wake wa karibu umeenea nchini kwa kiwango cha kushangaza,`` alisema na kushangiliwa na wabunge kwa makofi makubwa.

Ushahidi mwingine unaomhusisha Waziri Mkuu na Richmond upo ukurasa wa 33 wa ripoti hiyo yenye kurasa 165 uliosema kuwa Juni 19, 2006, Bodi ya Zabuni ya TANESCO ilikutana na kupitisha uamuzi rasmi kwa kufuta zabuni waliyokuwa wanashughulikia awali na kutangaza kuwa TANESCO isihusishwe na mkataba wowote utakaotokana na nyaraka za zabuni waliyoifuta.``

Baada ya TANESCO kuondolewa kwenye masuala ya zabuni kazi hiyo ilihamishiwa kwa Kamati ya Serikali ya Majadiliano (GNT) iliyokuwa na wajumbe kutoka Wizara za Fedha, Nishati na Madini, Ofisi ya Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali, Benki Kuu na TANESCO.

``Siku hiyo hiyo Waziri wa Nishati na Madini alimwandikia dokezo Waziri Mkuu, Bw. Lowassa kuwa majadiliano ya awali na Richmond yamekamilika hivyo serikali iiteue kampuni hiyo kwa lengo la kuingia mkataba na TANESCO wa kuzalisha umeme wa dharura kwa miaka miwili.``

Taarifa hiyo iliikariri sehemu hiyo ya barua ikisema: \"Kamati ya serikali ya majadiliano (GNT) inayowajumuisha wataalamu kutoka Wizara za Fedha , Nishati na Madini, Ofisi ya Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali, Benki Kuu na TANESCO ilifanya majadiliano na Richmond ya Houston Marekani kuanzia Juni 8 hadi 16 , 2006, kwa kuzingatia maelekezo yako,`` ilikariri taarifa.

``Julai 13, 2006 Waziri wa Nishati na Madini alimwandikia Katibu Mkuu wake kuwa nimezungumza tena na Mheshimiwa Waziri Mkuu leo juu ya bei ya mitambo ya Aggreko.

Msimamo ni ule ule niliokueleza awali, ameagiza tuulizie Richmond kama anaweza kutoa megawati 40 kwa bei isiyozidi ile ile ya sent 4.99 kwa kilowati kwa saa kama tunaweza kuipata basi ichukue Richomond, `` alisema Dk. Mwakyembe .

Mwenyekiti huyo aliendelea kusema: ``Kamati teule haikufurahishwa hata kidogo na taarifa zinazomgusa moja kwa moja Waziri Mkuu katika kuipendelea Richomond. Hata hivyo, imetimiza wajibu wake kwa uwazi na ukweli kama ilivyoagizwa na Bunge.

Dk. Mwakyembe alikumbusha kuwa ibara ya 52 ya Katiba ya Tanzania inaeleza kuwa Waziri Mkuu ndiye mwenye madaraka ya juu ya udhibiti, usimamiaji, utekelezaji wa siku hadi siku wa kazi na shughuli za Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano na ndiye kiongozi wa shughuli za serikali bungeni.

SOURCE: Nipashe

[fillar munuo]

IFUATAYO ni hotuba fupi aliyoitoa Waziri Mkuu Edward Lowassa katika Bunge mjini Dodoma leo (Alhamisi Feb. 7, 2008) asubuhi, wakati wa mjadala wa Taarifa ya Kamati Teule ya Bunge iliyochunguza Mchakato wa Zabuni ya Kuzalisha Umeme wa Dharura Ulioipa Ushindi "Richmond Development Company LLC" ya Huston, Texas, Marekani mwaka 2006:

"Mheshimiwa Spika, kwanza napenda kuchukua nafasi hii kukushukuru sana kwa kunifanya msemaji wa kwanza katika hoja hii.



Lakini la pili, nimpongeze Dk. Harrison Mkwakyembe, Mwenyekiti wa kamati Teule kwa kuwasilisha kwa mbwembwe nyingi sana taarifa yake, mbwembwe zilikuwa nzuri kweli.



Kwa kazi nzuri kwa maoni yao, wamewasilisha vizuri. Lakini nimesimama kuweka kwenye kumbukumbu kutoridhika kwangu na jinsi kazi hiyo ilivyofanywa. Mheshimiwa Dk. Mwakyembe ni Mwanasheria, tena Daktari alikuwa anafundisha Chuo Kikuu. Moja ya vitu alivyokuwa anafundisha ni "Natural Justice".
Mheshimiwa Spika, wewe ni Mwanasheria unafahamu suala la Natural Justice. Kwamba Kamati Teule imesikiliza watu wengine wote pamoja na wanaoita minong'ono ya mitaani, wamesafiri mpaka Marekani kutafuta mashahidi, lakini mimi ambaye ni mmoja kati ya watuhumiwa mle hawakunihoji hata siku moja.
Mheshimiwa Spika, nimesimama kueleza masikitiko yangu. Ofisi ya Bunge mpaka ofisini kwangu hata kama wangeniita ningekwenda kwa miguu kama hamna gari na nilikuwa tayari kufanya hivyo.

Hawa ni watu makini sana siwezi kuamini kwamba wanaweza wakafanya oversite kama hiyo. Kwa sababu katika kila hoja walizojenga wamesema Waziri Mkuu ilikuwa hivi. Kulikuwa na shida gani kuja kuniuliza Waziri Mkuu wanasema uliotoa dokezo hili ni sawa sawa kweli? Kulikuwa na shida gani kwa mfano kufuata utaratibu wa Westminster kuthibitisha hapo unaposema mwenye Richmond ni fulani uka-lay on the table records na ushahidi kuwa ni fulani.

Mheshimiwa Spika, Taifa letu ni Taifa changa, lakini chombo hiki ndiyo mahali pa demokrasia pakubwa katika nchi pote, hapa ndipo penyewe. Kama katika chombo hiki haki haitaonekana kutendeka nchi yetu haitakwenda vizuri. Hapa ndipo tunategemea tuwaonyeshe umakini wetu, umahiri wetu katika mambo ya demokrasia. Kwa nhiyo nilichofanyiwa napenda kuweka kumbukumbu sawa kwamba naona si sahihi, nimefadhaika sana, nimedhalilishwa sana, nimeonewa sana katika hili.
Maana zimechukuliwa tuhuma zikaelezwa hapa kwamba hivi ndivyo ilivyo. Mimi sijauliza. Kulikuwa na shida gani kuniuliza, kwa nini muamini minong'ono ya mitaani kuliko maelezo yangu. Sisi wote hapa ni wanasiasa tukianza kuamini minong'ono ya mitaani niambieni mwanasiasa atakayesimama. Hatuwezi, Tume imepewa muda wa kutosha lakini inashindwa kumuona mtu ambaye wanamtuhumu na wanamsema kwa kirefu sana.

Mheshimiwa Spika, lakini hata pale uliponinong'oneza ukaniambia una ushahidi wowote? Nilikupa ushahidi huo wa maandishi. Katika taarifa yao hakuna hata moja ya ushahidi ambao umetoka Waziri Mkuu. Kile kitabu cha majedwali kimejaa majedwali mengi pamoja na magazeti mpaka ya Udaku lakini maelezo ya Waziri Mkuu hakuna hata moja.

Mheshimiwa Spika, naamini ingekuwa ni heshima wangeiweka halafu wakasema tunakataa kitambulisho hiki kwa sababu hii na hii, hiyo ndiyo imejengwa hoja. Lakini kujenga hoja na kuja hapa Bungeni tunahutubia nchi nzima na kusema Waziri Mkuu amefanya hiki, amefanya hiki bila ya kumsikiliza nachelea kuuliza hivi mtu wa chini itakuwaje?

Mheshimiwa Spika, lakini nimetafakari kwa makini sana jambo hili nikajiuliza hivi kulikoni mpaka watu wazima wenye uwezo wao, watu maarufu wenye heshima zao, mpaka wafike mahali waache jambo la msingi kama hilo kulikoni? Mimi nadhani there is a wish which I am going to grant, ni Uwaziri Mkuu. Nadhani tatizo ni Uwaziri Mkuu. Kwamba ionekane Waziri Mkuu ndio amefanya haya, tumuondolee heshima au tumwajibishe.

Mheshimiwa Spika, nimetafakari kwa niaba ya chama changu, kwa niaba ya Serikali yangu nimeamua kumwandikia Rais barua ya kumwomba niachie ngazi. Nafanya hivyo kwa moyo mweupe kabisa ili kuonyesha dhana ya uwajibikaji lakini kutokubaliana na utaratibu uliotumika kusema uongo ndani ya Bunge wa kumsingizia mtu.

Mheshimiwa Spika, nitumie nafasi hii kumshukuru sana Rais kwa heshima aliyonipa ya kutumikia nchi hii kwa Uwaziri Mkuu kwa miaka miwili.
Namshukuru sana Mheshimiwa Rais.

Nakushukuru wewe, nawashukuru Mawaziri na Manaibu Waziri, nawshukuru Waheshimiwa Wabunge na wanachama wa CCM tuliyosimamia Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya Chama cha Mapinduzi.

Mheshimiwa Spika, baada ya kusema hayo nashukuru".

[tyk]

Turns out that Richmondgate has brought down the entire government, not just Big Edo!


Cabinet dissolved

2008-02-08 09:11:00
By Angel Navuri, Dodoma


President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has dissolved the cabinet, a terse State House press release said yesterday. The move follows Premier Edward Lowassa`s resignation yesterday, which the President had accepted.

Earlier, Lowassa had told the National Assembly that he had tendered his resignation to the President, hardly a day after a damning report of a parliamentary select committee implicated him in the Richmond scandal.

Lowassa told the House that due to the fact that he had been linked to the allegations, he had asked the President to allow him to step down.

Findings of the select committee, formed last year to investigate circumstances which led the government to enter into a power generating contract with Richmond Development Company LLC in 2006, have implicated Lowassa as one of the architects of the controversial deal.

Announcing his decision yesterday, Lowassa said although the committee, under Kyela MP Harrison Mwakyembe, did not give him a chance to respond to charges that his office had violated the bidding process by awarding the tender to an American company; he had decided to step down for the sake of his party and the government.

``With great honour to my party (CCM), fellow ministers, members of parliament and the public, I have decided to tender my resignation to President Jakaya Kikwete.

I thank him for his confidence in my person, appointing me to this post and the cooperation he extended to me during the two years I served this nation as prime minister,`` said Lowassa.

Silence reigned in the House as the PM read his speech and accused the committee of violating principles of natural justice by condemning him unheard, despite the fact that the allegations leveled against him were serious.

``I would like to thank Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe for his presentation. Mwakyembe, a university lecturer in the department of law is aware of the law of natural justice, yet he refused to seek my response over the allegations,`` Lowassa said.

The report of the select committee, which implicated Lowassa and other high ranking officials, was presented to Parliament on Wednesday by Dr Mwakyembe and was supposed to be discussed by legislators for two days.

At the end of the morning session yesterday, the Speaker of the National Assembly Samuel Sitta, announced he already received names of 51 legislators who wanted to debate on the issue.

In a solemn mood, the Prime Minister sprang to his feet and approached the microphone which was positioned close to the Speaker`s podium.

``I am standing here in this House where we all gather to uphold good governance and democracy.

I want to put on record the way the select committee, comprising of credible members who travelled as far as the United States to seek evidence, but deliberately refused to call me for interrogation and instead passed judgement against me on the basis of gossip.

We are all politicians. If we are judged so unfairly, then who will be spared, and how will justice be dispensed to ordinary people?`` asked Lowassa.

He said his office was located hardly a walking distance from the Bunge offices, adding, ``I could have walked there if there was no vehicle to take me to the place for the questioning. Quite unfortunately, that did not happen. I am deeply humiliated and oppressed.``

In the presence of his wife Regina, who took her seat in the visitors` gallery - in clear and sharp voice� Lowassa said: ``There is a wish that I am going to grant. That is nothing other than resigning from my post of Prime Minister.``

As he returned to his seat, the Speaker said the Prime Minister�s statement had taken him by surprise. Sitta then sought for advice from fellow legislators on how to proceed.

Responding to the request, Chadema MP Zitto Kabwe said according to the country`s constitution, the Prime Minister represented the executive powers and was the head of government business in the House.

``If the Prime Minister has expressed his wish to resign, will the cabinet be allowed to remain intact while there is no Prime Minister to advise the President on government matters?,`` asked Zitto.

Sitta said President Kikwete was yet to communicate to him to confirm whether he had accepted Lowassa`s resignation, therefore Lowassa was still the PM.

CCM MP Wilson Masillingi called for patience among legislators while studying the unfolding situation before jumping to conclusions. ``Serious issues are always judged by patient people,`` he said.

He made the entire House burst into laughter when he said; ``For the first time in history, the Speaker is seeking advice from MPs. This shows how serious the matter is. We need time to contemplate on the situation because the Prime Minister, whose appointment we endorsed, has now tendered his resignation,`` suggested Masillingi.

Dr. Wilbrod Slaa (Chadema) said claims by the Prime minister that the select committee was unjust to him were unfounded as the committee had attached copies of official communication from his office instructing officials in the ministry of Energy and Minerals to disqualify other bidders and award the tender to Richmond Development Company LLC.

The committee`s report indicated that Richmond, which signed the contract with TANESCO on June 23, 2006 for generating 100 megawatts of electricity during power crisis in 2006, had no track record, lacked expertise and was financially incapacitated.

SOURCE: Guardian

[fillar munuo]

It amazes me in Lowassa resignation speech he did not dispute the fact but he only insist he was not asked the side of his story.I do not think it matters whether you were asked before the report was made or not the important issue is IS IT TRUE OR NOT??And i do not seem to see any of that??Am sure if the report was fabricated you could have seen the other side of him and the lawyers getting ready for lawsuits.It is time for Mr. President to stop listening to the fans otherwise he might winding up sitting next to them.The new cabinet needs to prove that and not moving people from ."waziri asiyekua na wizara maalumu to waziri"Ain't work Mr!

[tyk]

The man was drowning and was grasping at straws... Otherwise, he had little to say to save his grace.

...... Breaking news

The President has just named one Mizengo Pinda as the new Prime Minister. The gentleman was the Minister for Local governments in the fallen government.

[Tutinga]

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Previous material posted by email address thief.

post edited by original email address owner, whose account was used to post in this forum.


To the thief :

Tough luck tosser ... don't bother trying again.

Password is changed on both accounts.