Chairman of Leaders Ethics Council, Judge (Rtd) Hamis Msumi, took the oath of office alongside other two members before President Jakaya Kikwete.
President Jakaya Kikwete swears-in Judge (Retired) Hamisi Msumi as the new Chairman of the Ethics Secretariat at the State House in Dar es Salaam. Looking on (second left) is Chief Secretary Ombeni Sefue. (Photo by Robert Okanda)
Judge Msumi who served in the previous council as a member under the chairmanship of Judge Damian Lubuva, was sworn-in at the state house in Dar es Salaam.
The two other councillors are Ms Hilda Gondwe and Ms Celina Wambura.
Justice Msumi said shortly after the ceremony that under his leadership he will adhere to fairness in deliberating on the matters brought before Ethics Tribunal.
“Our role is to determine fairly cases of public leaders and servants brought to us by the Leadership Ethics Commission and give our recommendations to the employer,” he said.
Judge Msumi noted further that since its establishment three years ago, the council has attended 20 cases and various disciplinary recommendations were made. “In case we find someone guilty of an offence we either propose for warning, demotion and dismissal.
In over 20 cases we have had so far not recommended for dismissal of any leader. Criminal offences are forwarded to the Attorney General for relevant action,” he said. Created by the Public Leaders Code of Ethics Act No.13 of 1995, the Ethics Commission is one of the strategic institutions established to facilitate democratisation and good governance in the country.
It requires government, political and institutions’ leaders that include members of parliament, to declare their assets and liabilities every year before December 31st. According to the leadership code of ethics, those who fail to disclose their wealth should face a number of disciplinary measures.
The commission is charged with the duty of receiving, keeping and verifying declarations of properties owned by leaders and forward matters that needs legal attention to the Ethics Council.
By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO, Tanzania Daily News
