Mixed reaction as former PM Lowassa defects to Opposition

Moshi/Arusha/Handeni/Morogoro. Tanzanians yesterday received with mixed reactions former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa’s defection to Chadema, with some saying they fear for his safety.

Those who commended Mr Lowassa’s decision said the move is likely to end one party dominance and enhance competitive politics which would serve national interest.

Mr Yusuph Mruma, a retired police officer in Rombo District said the quest for power had driven him to take such as a decision.

CCM chairman for Arusha Region Onesmo ole Nangole said Mr Lowassa was crudely treated by his erstwhile comrades for eight years when he was in the political cold. Ole Nangole said he believed many other CCM cadres are likely to follow the former Premier.

CCM publicity secretary for Arusha Region Isack Kopriano said the gap left would be reflected in the forthcoming General Election.

Mr Kopriano said CCM would no longer achieve its ambitious dream of retaining Arusha wards and constituencies and rescuing others which “went to the dogs”.

Chadema chairman for Arusha Region Amani Golugwa said Mr Lowassa’s decision would reshape Tanzania’s political landscapes and redefine Chadema, and the ruling party.

Mr Golugwa, who doubles as the Chadema secretary for the Northern Zone, said with Lowassa on board, the Opposition camp is assured of victory by 85 per cent.

Advocate Peter Shayo of Moshi and Arusha said the decision was a culmination of what Mwalimu Julius Nyerere had prediction. Chadema secretary for Morogoro Region Esther Tawete called on Tanzanians to appreciate Mr Lowassa’s patriotism and quest for the development of the nation which could not be obtained with the CCM’s oppressive system still in place.

Mr Peter Kirenga, a member of the Moshi Municipality business community, also hailed Mr Lowassa’s decision, saying it was bent on forging positive change, calling on Tanzanians to accord him due support.

Another resident of the Moshi Municipality, Prof William Makundi, praised Chadema and the coalition for considering wide interests of the nation before accepting Mr Lowassa to join the camp.

Mr Pevi Shirima, a resident of Maili Sita suburb in Hai District, said Mr Lowassa had finally walked his ‘tough decisions’ rhetoric, as Advocate David Shilatu from Moshi Rural said Mr Lowassa’s decision had opened a new chapter in presidential, parliamentary, and councillorship election campaigns in the country. “It’s, however, not a surprising decision to those who were closely following his presidential bid on the CCM ticket, for he once said all what people wanted was change and that they would look for it elsewhere in case they could not get it within the ruling party,” Mr Shilatu said.

Mr Paul Mongi, an entrepreneur based in Moshi Municipality, said Ukawa had cashed in on the political wind which was moving in their favour.

Advocate Young saviour Msuya from Mwanga District said Mr Lowassa was an important input in dismantling the CCM’s oppressive system which, he said, was a recipe for the country’s trouble.

Mr Hamis Juma 45, and Mr Lawrence Paul, 33, residents of Morogoro said in separate interviews with The Citizen yesterday that Mr Lowassa’s decision was compounded by unfounded allegations his fellow CCM cadres kept on implicating him.

Another resident of the municipality, Mr Marick Marupu, however, said Mr Lowassa’s decision indicated the former Premier was a power monger. Mr Marupu said the decision would dearly cost Mr Lowassa, for it was the beginning of the end of his political fame.

Mr Issa Malechela, a resident of Chogo suburb in Handeni, said they almost gave up with the ‘journey of hope’, but the reports had revived their spirit, for it seemed Mr Lowassa never knew how to abandon his allies.

Mr Moses Hemba, a resident of Mdoe suburb also in Handeni, said those pointing an accusing finger at Mr Lowassa allegedly for engaging in corrupt practices should display evidence in public and sue him as the former Premier himself maintains.
Reported by Daniel Mjema in Moshi, Esther Mwimbula in Morogoro, Rajab Athuman in Handeni, Mussa Juma and Peter Saramba in Arusha