MPs demand action against people named in CAG reports

Dodoma.  Members of Parliament on April 4, 2023 called for action against those mentioned in the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, which exposed the misuse of public funds.

Receiving the reports at State House in Dar es Salaam last week, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her disappointment with the reports, saying, “we are killing our own country.”

Her remarks were followed by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party calling for action against the perpetrators of the embezzlement of public funds and shoddy contracts.

During the debate, the 12th Parliament, which started its budget sessions yesterday, congratulated President Hassan and demanded action against all the embezzlers mentioned in the CAG reports.

The resolution to congratulate the President was tabled by Biharamulo MP Ezra Chiwelesa, who asked the Parliament to issue a resolution to congratulate the President on three areas, including strengthening democracy in the country, promoting economic diplomacy and supporting her in her presidential duties.

Mwera MP Zahor Mohammed Haji said despite President Samia’s efforts in bringing investors into the country, there are some people holding her back.

“Mama has spoken in a very simple and civilised language. Let them evaluate themselves and let us pass,” he said. “Let us allow her to do her work,” he said.

He also said that there are people who have a habit of puncturing boats during sea trips and suggested that such people should be washed overboard.

The Ubungo MP, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said since President Hassan has already received the CAG reports, there are still two responsibilities for the Parliament and the government through the ministers.

“I ask you that in the days of your stay here in parliament, we expect to get answers from the government, answers that will respond to the systemic, legal and regulatory challenges that we need to hear from the ministers. 

“Our job as MPs is to show them the exit door (those mentioned by the President). That work in the world is not done by the government, but it is done by Parliament,” said Prof Mkumbo.

Member of Parliament for Hai MP Saashisha Mafuwe suggested those who have let down President Hassan after being mentioned in the CAG report should resign themselves from those positions.

 “I would advise those who are in the government and you heard how the President had spoken in such a language, our mother, whom we love very much, and you are the burden in here, just organise a press meeting and announce to step down,” he suggested.

Sengerema MP Hamisi Tabasamu said the budget passed in Parliament did not allocate funds for thieves. “We passed the budget, the money should be spent on development activities, there were no funds for thieves. Now sums of money for thieves appear in every CAG report.

“The issue should be brought here in Parliament so that we can show how we support the President. We are tired of thefts. When we go through the CAG report, we will ask you, Hon Speaker, to give us 20 minutes so that we can teach them a lesson. And you go down in history for stopping thieves in this country,” said Mr Tabasamu.

Winding up the debate, the Parliament Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, reminded MPs that, under the modus operandi, the CAG’s reports will have to be scrutinised by a parliamentary committee and that those implicated be grilled before a decision is reached.

“The reports, upon reaching this House, will be sent to relevant watchdog committees where they will be scrutinised and listen to the defence of those responsible for institutions that have been implicated,” she said.

She said later, the reports of the relevant committees will be presented in parliament for MPs to debate and advise the government on the right action to take.