Dodoma – The opposition has said to be boycotting Budget session this year in the National Assembly.
Leader of the Opposition Camp. Mr Freeman Mbowe accuses the government of hijacking their parliamentary privileges. He said three legal issues need to be addressed before the session.
Mbowe added his party would stage a sit-in protest in parliament if the government ditches addressing their issues and decides to go ahead withb proceedings.
Chairman of Parliament, Andrew Chenge, said the agenda does not include the demand of the Opposition and hence their boycott would not be discussed in the parliament.
The 2016/17 budget estimates was tabled earlier by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The Opposition leader too was supposed to table equivalent estimates.
Majaliwa is also the leader of government businesses in the parliament.
Mbowe didn’t tabled his budget estimates and instead took a swipe at the government alleging violation of laws of the land. He announced his party would not be taking part in the session as well as in the debate of 2016/17 budget.
The Opposition wants the government to address formation of ministries as President John Magufuli has not yet prepared the required new guidelines or instruments after taking office.
The instrument gazzetted by former President Jakaya Kikwete is technically into force and this should not happen.
Mbowe said, “Dr Magufuli has changed the face of Cabinet, for instance, regional administration and local government was under the Prime Minister’s Office, but now it has been moved to the President’s Office.”
Mbowe also alleges the reallocation of budget funds without seeking approval of the parliament is not legal.
