The Civic United Front (CUF) national chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba has challenged Members of the National Assembly to discuss vital matters for the benefit of the people, instead of being selfish and focus on politics only.
Prof Ibrahim Lipumba
Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Prof Lipumba underscored the importance for the MPs to know that time spent on verbal confrontation during debates in the House would not bring development but rather propel more commotion instead.
“Using verbal clash is a sign of weakness which proves political immaturity. It also reveals individuals’ limited ability to discuss certain matters professionally,” Prof Lipumba explained.
Commenting on the need for tolerance among legislators, the politician advised the MPs to listen to issues raised by a colleague instead of interrupting without grasping the points brought up for discussion.
“There is a tendency for the MPS to interrupt their fellow members during continuing debate, you will find after five minutes one has been interrupted more than once. This is a sign of incompetence to some of the MPs”, he explained.
Clarifying on the importance of good conduct in the parliament, Prof Lipumba said tolerance and creative minds were important attributes to promote democracy.
He noted, nowadays, Parliament sessions are watched by numerous people including the younger generation, adding, MPs should therefore be more considerate and stop talking for the sake of talking or to be seen that they are talking even for inappropriate issues.
Moreover, he advised the MPs to have patriotic spirit which will unite them in gratifying the needs of the general public and not the political parties they are affiliated to as they are not there for their parties.
“Time to base on political orientation is over bearing in mind that MPs represent the general public including those not affiliated to any of the political parties,” Prof Lipumba explained.
He further advised on the need for seriousness when discussing serious matters of national interest. He gave an example on the need for ministers and deputy ministers to give serious answers to questions raised in the Parliament and do away with the culture of giving light and disappointing answers to serious issues.
Commenting on fracas reported recently in Liwale District, Lindi Region where more than a dozen houses were reduced to ashes, the politician who is also an economist said the government should work out crop-payment strategies to avoid outstanding debts which caused inconvenience to farmers.
He said all payments should be based on corresponding crop prices and should be honoured accordingly. Adding all debts should be settled before confrontation arises.
By HILDA MHAGAMA, Tanzania Daily News
