Politics
Samia Suluhu sworn in as Tanzanian first female president
Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan was on Friday sworn in as the country’s first female president after the sudden death of John Magufuli from an illness shrouded in mystery.
Hassan, 61, a soft-spoken Muslim woman from the island of Zanzibar, will finish Magufuli’s second five-year term, set to run until 2025.
Wearing a bright red headscarf, Hassan was sworn in as the country’s sixth president, at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam, where neither she nor the majority of attendees wore a mask, in the Covid-sceptic nation.
“I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, promise to be honest and obey and protect the constitution of Tanzania,” said the new president, as she took the oath of office before inspecting troops at a military parade and receiving a cannon salute.
She becomes the only other current serving female head of state in Africa alongside Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde, whose role is mainly ceremonial.
Hassan was little known outside Tanzania until she appeared on state television on Wednesday night to announce that Magufuli had died aged 61 from a heart condition after a mysterious three -eek absence from public view.
But questions have been raised over the true cause of his death, after multiple rumours that Magufuli — one of the world’s most fervent Covid-sceptic leaders — had caught the virus and had sought treatment abroad.
Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu insists his sources said Magufuli had Covid-19 and had actually died a week ago.
And Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper, which last week reported an “African leader”, in clear reference to Magufuli, was in a Nairobi hospital, on Friday gave more details of his illness, also indicating Magufuli had in fact died last week.
Citing sources, the paper said Magufuli was discharged from Nairobi Hospital on life support after it was determined he could not be resuscitated, and returned to Dar es Salaam where he died last Thursday.
The paper details his initial evacuation to Nairobi on March 8 in a medical plane, as he suffered “acute cardiac and respiratory illnesses.”
The main question hanging over the new president is whether she will usher in a change in leadership style from her predecessor, nicknamed the “Bulldozer”, notably in the handling of the pandemic.
– ‘A new chapter’ –
Magufuli leaves behind a complex legacy, after a swing to authoritarianism which saw him crack down on the media, activists and free speech, while refusing to take any measures against Covid-19.
He called for prayer instead of face masks, refused to publish case statistics or implement lockdown measures, and championed alternative medicines.
In May last year he revealed a papaya, quail and goat had tested positive for the virus in a secret operation, proving “sabotage” at the national laboratory.
However by February, as cases soared and the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar was revealed to have died from Covid-19, Magufuli conceded the virus was still circulating.
The opposition and rights groups have urged Hassan to change course.
“As we continue mourning, let us use this period to open up a new chapter for rebuilding national unity and respect to freedom, justice, rule of law, democracy and people-centred development,” said Freeman Mbowe, the chairman of opposition group Chadema, in a statement Thursday.
He urged Hassan to “lead the nation toward reconciliation”.
Meanwhile Human Rights Watch said in a statement that the new government “has a chance for a fresh start by ending problematic past practices.”
– ‘Hold your breath’ –
However analysts say Hassan will face early pressure from powerful Magufuli allies within the party, who dominate intelligence and other critical aspects of government, and would try and steer her decisions and agenda.
“For those who were kind of expecting a breakaway from the Magufuli way of things I would say hold your breath at the moment,” said Thabit Jacob, a researcher at the Roskilde University in Denmark and expert on Tanzania.
Hailing from Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island in the Indian Ocean, Hassan rose through the ranks over a 20-year political career from local government to the national assembly.
A ruling party stalwart, she was named Magufuli’s running mate in the 2015 presidential campaign. The pair were re-elected in October last year in a disputed poll marred by allegations of irregularities.
Hassan must consult the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) about appointing a new vice president. The party is set to hold a special meeting of its central committee on Saturday.
Tanzania is observing a 14-day mourning period and details on Magufuli’s funeral have yet to be announced.
Magufuli is the second East African leader to die under mysterious circumstances.
Burundi’s equally Covid-sceptic leader, Pierre Nkurunziza, died from “heart failure” last June after his wife was flown to Nairobi to be treated for coronavirus.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, has marked the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir by distributing over 500 rams and cash gifts to Muslim constituents across his constituency.
He stated that the gesture was aimed at ensuring that his constituents, especially the less privileged ones, could celebrate Sallah with ease.
“This isn’t just about distribution; it’s about standing together as a community and assisting families celebrating Eid, particularly those in need. The welfare of my constituents is a top priority, and by the grace of God, I will continue to alleviate their burdens,” remarked the APC chieftain.
This heartfelt gesture not only honoured the religious festival but also strengthened community bonds among residents.
Oseni’s initiative, which included distributing sacrificial animals, cash, and essential items, received warm appreciation from beneficiaries across the constituency.
Amid prayers and festive cheer, constituents expressed gratitude for the lawmaker’s thoughtful outreach during this auspicious period.
Reflecting on the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasized unity and compassion as central to fostering harmonious coexistence within the constituency.
The lawmaker extended felicitations to the Muslim faithful and urged them to use the occasion to promote love and tolerance.
He emphasized that Eid-el-Kabir, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, serves as a powerful reminder of faith, obedience, and selflessness.
Oseni further highlighted sacrifice and duty as essential to nation-building, calling for collective purpose, will, and action to bring about significant change.
He also called on Nigerians to pray for continuous peace and stability in the nation.
Oseni, reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of all constituents, regardless of religious affiliation, and pledged continued support for community development initiatives.
The lawmaker wished all Muslim faithful around the world a blessed Eid filled with abundant blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
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As the countdown to the 2024 Ondo State governorship election intensifies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made public the definitive roster of candidates and their respective running mates slated to compete in the forthcoming electoral contest.
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, officially disclosed this development in a press release issued from the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
“The personal details of all candidates alongside their running mates have been officially published and are now accessible at INEC offices across both state and local government levels within Ondo State,” affirmed Olumekun.
He further elaborated that in adherence to Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political entities, namely the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted fresh primary elections to replace their previously nominated candidates and running mates.
This was done within the stipulated deadline of 10th June.
“With the conclusion of the nomination process, political parties have been authorized to commence public campaigning effective Wednesday, 19th June, extending through to midnight on 14th November,” stated Olumekun.
Emphasizing the regulatory framework governing campaign activities, he underscored INEC’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity.
“As political parties embark on this pivotal phase of the election, the Commission reiterates the imperative for all candidates, agents, and supporters to conduct their campaigns with utmost civility and decorum. This includes refraining from incendiary rhetoric, violence, voter inducement, and any other breaches as outlined in Sections 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” Olumekun reiterated.
The Ondo State Governorship Election is slated to be held on Saturday, 16th November 2024.
See the list of candidates below:
In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called for sustained civic engagement to uphold democratic values and foster development.
Oseni emphasised the pivotal role of democracy in nation-building, urging unity and collective efforts in addressing pressing issues facing the nation.
The lawmaker, in a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, stressed the importance of active participation in the democratic process, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles and contributing to the betterment of society.
“Democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in the affairs of their communities and nations. Nigeria is blessed with diverse talents and resources, and it is imperative that we harness these potentials through active civic engagement and collaboration,” remarked Oseni.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to civic participation and collective action for the progress of our constituency, state, and nation”, he continued.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) highlighted the significance of June 12 as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians, especially the late Chief M.K.O Abiola in the struggle for democracy, reiterating the responsibility of citizens to safeguard the gains of democracy through meaningful engagement.
He pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, while also encouraging constituents to play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
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