Mama Salma Kikwete tells JPM to stay focused, declares her support

Former First Lady Salma Kikwete yesterday declared her support for President John Magufuli, urging him to “ignore all noises and focus on his work”.

Speaking at a rally in Lindi Town Mama Salma, who has been nominated as an MP by President Magufuli, said the Head of State had an overwhelming support.

“Don’t be distracted by noises being made by some people. What matters is that the majority of Tanzanians support what you are doing.”

This was the former First Lady’s first public address since her March 1 nomination attracted a lot of speculations and comments.

President Magufuli revealed why he appointed her.

“She is hardworking and she loves CCM,” said Dr Magufuli amid cheers at Ilulu Stadium.

The former First Lady hails from Lindi Region.

She is Lindi’s representative in the CCM National Executive Committee.

Her nomination is viewed as an attempt by the President to reach out to a powerful group within the ruling party that was lukewarm in its support of the new CCM chairman.

She was expected to marshal support for Dr Magufuli in Lindi Region ahead of the party’s internal elections later in the year.

Meanwhile, the President blasted the lack of commitment and weak supervision from authorities were responsible for poor water supply in Lindi. “The government has spent Sh21 billion on a Lindi water project, but the problem persists.”

He also warned a group of workers who are pressuring the government to pay them their arrears, saying they should wait until the process of verifying ghost workers is completed.

Although he did not name the group, it is understood that the Tanzania Teachers Union has threatened to galvanise its members into action unless the government pays Sh800 billion arrears.

“I am aware that a group of workers is forcing the government to pay debts this month. I tell them not to proceed with their demand… I hope my message has been sent,” he warned. He also promised the government to build a ferry to connect Lindi Town and Kitunda Village.

“One of the ferries serving Kigamboni residents in Dar es Salaam can take be taken to Lindi because they also use the Mwalimu Nyerere Bridge,” he said. Dr Magufuli also commended Lindi government leaders for their good performance. He praised Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who is also the Ruangwa MP, and the minister for Information, Culture, Artistes and Sports, Mr Nape Nnaye.