AfricaPress-Tanzania: MEMBERS of the defence and security forces will remember the late Dr John Magufuli as a patriotic leader who was dedicated on the safety and development of the country.
They said the former President who was also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces strengthened security organs so that they can perform their responsibilities according to the law and constitution of Tanzania.
This was mentioned in the condolences by the forces that were issued yesterday in Chato district, Geita region during the burial service of the late President by Chief of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) General Venance Mabeyo.
The TPDF Chief said the departed head of state had enough trust and confidence in the armed forces, and that during his tenure in office, he made sure they were provided with everything they needed for a continued task of protecting the country.
According to him, Dr Magufuli’s higher level of trust in the security forces was even shown in the way he was cooperating with the forces in economic activities of the country and that his legacy will be remembered.
“He strongly believed that there cannot be a strong military without a strong economy. He always told us that the country cannot continue depending on foreign aid to strengthen our forces, all is needed is to strengthen our economy,” said Gen Mabeyo.
He was of the view that the late Dr Magufuli had a notion in mind that in today’s world, countries with better economies are the ones emerging strong militarily, as a result the departed president of the fifth phase government wanted to see development of the country and the armed forces.
Gen Mabeyo also recalled Dr Magufuli’s decision to involve security forces in various projects, including the ongoing construction of State House in Chamwino in Dodoma and construction of Mirerani wall and protection of the Tanzanite mine in Manyara. He also appointed various staff officers to various administrative posts in the government, such as Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors, Regional and District Commissioners.
The CDF furthermore revealed that the late President Magufuli was to commission cadet officers on March 6 at Chamwino State House in Dodoma, however the event was postponed to March 10 this year since he was not feeling well.
“He didn’t make it, we will miss him for his dedicated efforts and patriotism to the country,” said Gen Mabeyo.
He said his love for security forces was also proved by his latest working tour, where the late Dr Magufuli inaugurated the buildings at the Dar es Salaam Police Academy where he also laid the foundation stone for construction of a police uniform production firm.
During his tour, the late Dr Magufuli instructed the Ministry for Home Affairs to pay terminal benefits to police retirees, saying it was not fair for police retirees to start languishing in poverty after their dedicated service to the nation.
