AfricaPress-Tanzania: Speaking during a state funeral in Dodoma, President Samia said the late president Magufuli used to follow up on every task at hand and that at times he would call early in the morning to insist.
“For six years that he has led Tanzania, he stood up for building a strong economy for the betterment of all by ensuring that basic services such water, electricity education and were available to the majority of the people,” she said.
The president said the late Magufuli did not like travelling; he dedicated the job to her saying this was as if he knew what would happen later hence gave her the chance to get experienced.
“For some of us who knew him saw a loving and kind leader who hid his generosity in his actions and seriousness that he had on everything he did,” she said.
She asked for support from retired leaders, noting that she banked on them for advice, insisting that nothing will go wrong.
She went on to encourage regional leaders who attended the ceremony that Tanzania will continue to work with the international community the same way it did during the late Magufuli’s period in office.
During the event, President Samia reminded public officials and citizens alike that she was the country’s leader and commander in-chief.
“Let me tell you that this person standing here is the President of the United Republic of Tanzania; let me repeat: the person standing here is the president of Tanzania and she is a woman,” the president surmised, receiving wide ranging applause from the gathering.
President Samia said the last time she talked to the late president Magufuli was when she was on her way to Tanga when he assured her that he was doing fine.
“President Magufuli was a man who in a very short time received praises from all over because of the good work that he was doing. We will miss him all,” she declared.
The late President Magufuli was known as a no nonsense leader by many but still he was a humorous leader who loved jokes at times he would call just to joke around.
