AfricaPress-Tanzania: RELIGIOUS leaders have described the late President John Magufuli as a good shepherd who sacrificed his entire life for his flock (read the nation).
They said the late Dr Magufuli was a God-fearing person who ensured freedom of worship among all Tanzanians regardless of one’s race, colour or religious beliefs.
Taking a turn, Roman Catholic Mwanza Diocese Bishop Rt Reverend Renatus Nkwande said that the late President Magufuli left a great indelible mark in the nation and world.
Speaking during the requiem mass held at Magufuli Grounds on Friday in Chato District, Geita Region Bishop Nkwande said the late Magufuli will be remembered for what he did for the country and its people.
Bishop Nkwande, said though the late President Magufuli ruled for few years and died aged 61, there are some people who felt it was too short, insisting that that ‘did not count’.
He further said despite battling heart illness for over a decade the late Magufuli worked and fought very hard for the citizens welfare to be raised, adding: “He slept for few hours and spending most of his time working.” Visiting a verse from the Biblical book of John 10:12 Bishop Nkwande compared the late President Magufuli with a shepherd who worked hard, taking care of his flock of sheep as opposed to a hired one, who abandoned them upon seeing a wolf.
He said leaders ought to emulate the best leadership displayed by the late President Magufuli, including sticking and depending on God.
The Mass was facilitated by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) President Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga who reminded believers to pray to God so that the late President Magufuli’s soul rests in eternal peace. Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Secretary General Fr Charles Kitima said Dr Magufuli lived his faith to the fullest.
TEC Vice President Bishop Flavian Kassala, in his condolences said that they are saddened by the death of Dr Magufuli, adding that he was a great and visionary leader who fought hard to build the economy and raise welfare of his people.
“This was a leader who constantly relied on God and spent his lifetime doing a lot for the country. He was courageous to improve the lives of Tanzanians and as we bid him farewell, this should remind us all that life on earth is just too short. Each of us should try his/her best to be accountable and act promptly,” he added.
Bishop Kassala, who is also Bishop for Geita Catholic Diocese also assured President Samia Suluhu Hassan of their close cooperation. On his part, Mufti Abubakar Zubeir said that the Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) was saddened by the death of JPM, noting: “I received condolence messages from fellow Muslims in Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Morroco and West Africa for the great loss, but people should accept the will of God in the demise of the great leader.” He further said Dr Magufuli loved religious leaders, worked well with them and supported the Muslim community especially to build a Mosque like the one funded by King Mohammad VI, adding:
“He used to go to the Mosque but also offered contributions for the faithful, we pray for his soul to rest in peace. But at the same time pray for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her assistants to bravel
