Africa-Press – Tanzania. SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, yesterday expressed her gratitude to Members of Parliament (MPs) for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout her tenure as head of the legislative body.
Dr Tulia made the remarks in the National Assembly in her address to the lawmakers as the 12th Parliament ends its five-year term today.
“To my fellow MPs from CCM, the ruling party, you have been at the forefront in working with me to ensure the effective execution of our duties, in line with the expectations of our party and the citizens who entrusted us with this responsibility,” she said.
The 12th Parliament was live broadcast, enabling citizens to follow its sessions and submit their opinions through social media that enhanced the legislative body’s performance.
As a result, she said the Parliament implemented its mandates as the law-making body, including approving development plans and budgets and overseeing government activities. She said a total of 60 bills were approved into laws.
Dr Tulia said the House approved the Third National Development Plan covering 2021/2022 to 2025/2026 and received the National Development Vision 2050 draft which was tabled yesterday for its first reading.
She said the National Assembly also approved 16 international protocols.
During the five-year term, a total of 5,057 basic questions and 15,000 supplementary questions were asked by the MPs which were answered by the government while other 260 were asked and replied by Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa.
Dr Tulia said the House also addressed four private motions.
“The number of questions reflects the extent to which you, honourable MPs, were actively engaged with citizens’ concerns by bringing them before Parliament for government responses,” Dr Ackson said.
“These achievements had contributed to strengthening the country’s democracy,” she added.
Furthermore, she said the Parliament consolidated systems for public funds’ management through its parliamentary committees which increased the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) such as e-Parliament.
She also commended all the parliament staff for their hardworking sprits which enhanced effectiveness of the legislative body.
Commending President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, Dr Tulia said the House presented a special award of recognition to the Head of State following her outstanding performance in fostering visionary leadership encompassing implementation of strategic development projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), the electric Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the JP Magufuli Bridge.
These great strides in implementation of major projects are in line with the CCM Election Manifesto 2020-2025 which is centred on people’s prosperity.
Dr Tulia also thanked his predecessor, Mr Job Ndugai.
Mr Ndugai emerged as the first Speaker of the National Assembly to step down in the history of the United Republic of Tanzania’s parliamentary politics.
He was succeeded by Dr Tulia Ackson, the then deputy speaker, who was endorsed by the Members of the Parliament (MP) on February 1, 2022.
Dr Tulia became the second woman in Tanzania to hold this position after Ms Anne Makinda who served from 2010-2015.
She has been leading alongside Mr Mussa Zungu who was elected Deputy Speaker in October 4, 2022.
Dr Tulia also ascended as the President of Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU).
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