Africa-Press – Tanzania. FORMER Cabinet Minister and Singida North legislator Mr Lazaro Nyalandu has rejoined the country’s ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Mr Nyalandu, 50, rejoined the party at an event witnessed by CCM National Chairperson, Samia Suluhu Hassan during the ruling party’s extraordinary meeting held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
“There are some people after knowing that I have become the President of Tanzania and I am coming to take over the chairmanship of CCM decided to come and support us within the party” said, President Samia.
Mr Nyalandu quitted CCM on 30 October 2017 and joined opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), vowing to renew strong calls for new national constitution; a point that he highlighted in his resignation speech.
According to Mr Nyalandu, he believed that the new constitution was the only solution towards maintaining the separation of powers as well as ensuring transparency, rule of law and good governance.
He said the then political leadership in CCM was contrary to the ideals of the founding father of the nation Julius Nyerere.
The politician left CCM owing to the party’s failure to supervise the government, expressing his dissatisfaction with human rights violations.
He also said there was no clear separation of powers between the three pillars of the state – the legislature, executive and judiciary.
Mr Nyalandu, four-time elected MP occupied the key tourism and natural resources ministerial portfolio under former president Jakaya Kikwete.
In his speech to rejoin CCM, Mr Nyalandu expressed gratitude to the CCM Chairperson for accepting, forgiving and allowing him to return home.
“Tanzanians have seen your star shining and are all filled with joy and hope for your exaltation as God prepared you to be the leader of this nation since the creation of the earth,” he expressed.
He added, “It is our prayer that the God’s hand will guide you in your responsibilities.”
President Samia announced another leader from the opposition who decided to join CCM as Chadema Chairman for the Southern zone and Lindi region Mr Suleiman Luongo.
“I have decided to return home, I was in CCM before joining Chadema but as you continue to be outside the ruling part you feel out of place. As President Samia has been confirmed as the first female CCM chairperson I support her 100 per cent,” he said.
