AfricaPress-Tanzania: TANZANIANS from across the country on Friday witnessed President John Magufuli as he arrived at the National Assembly’s precincts to inaugurate the 12th Parliament, marking the beginning of the second five-year term in office.
Almost all local radio, television stations and online TVs broadcast live the event, which attracted many delegates who went to the country’s capital with only one purpose: to listen to what the President had in mind in his robust plans to drive the country’s development agenda.
President John Magufuli’s motorcade arrived at the National Assembly grounds at about 09:20am and stopped in front of the saluting dais.
The national anthem and that of the East African Community were played.
The police brass band led the President’s entourage in singing the songs. Later, the President inspected a guard of honour prepared by the Police Force’s Field Force Unit. After inspecting the guard of honour, Dr Magufuli, who is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, received a presidential salute followed by the national anthem.
At about 09:45am, the Head of State entered the Parliament, accompanied by Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai, Clerk of the National Assembly Stephen Kagaigai and a sergeant at arms, entered the debating Chamber before proceeding directly to his seat.
He was received by a full packed Parliament with 359 MPs present in the House, applauding continuously eagerly waiting for the President’s speech to inaugurate the 12th Parliament.
Later Mr Ndugai invited the President to the podium where he delivered his speech which lasted for one hour and 22 minutes. Various dignitaries arrived at the National Assembly grounds as early as 7:30am.
They included retired Presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Jakaya Kikwete.
The event was also attended by Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zanzibar President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, retired VicePresident Mohammed Gharib Bilal, retired Zanzibar Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha and retired Zanzibar Second Vice-President Ambassador Seif Ali Idd.
Other leaders who attended the crucial event included former Prime Ministers John Malecela, Fredrick Sumaye, Edward Lowasa and Mizengo Pinda and their spouses.
On the list there were former Speakers of the National Assembly Pius Msekwa and Anne Makinda, former Speaker of Zanzibar House of Representative Pandu Ameir Kificho and East Africa Legislative Assembly Speaker Martin Ngoga.
The Speaker’s Gallery and other galleries where visitors usually sit were full to capacity.
All heads of defence and security organs, including Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Venance Mabeyo, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Simon Sirro, Director-General of Intelligence Service (DGIS) Diwani Athuman and Head of Immigration Department, Dr Anna Makakala, among others, were also in attendance.
The inauguration ceremony also attracted ambassadors representing different foreign embassies.
