Chadema: We’re moving on without Slaa

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe addresses the party’s governing council meeting in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | EDWIN MJWAHUZI It’s now official. Dr Willibrod Slaa has parted company with Chadema.

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe said yesterday that the party was prepared to move on without its hitherto secretary-general.

He said Dr Slaa did not agree with the decision to let former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa join Chadema, whose national convention is today expected to formally nominate him as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the October 25 General Election.

Addressing Chadema’s governing assembly, Mr Mbowe said Dr Slaa initially agreed with other members of the party’s central committee to take in Lowassa, but later changed his mind.

He added that the General Election was fast approaching, and that the party would move on without Dr Slaa.

“No one is bigger than the party, and since the General Election is drawing closer, there is no alternative other than moving on without Dr Slaa. We cannot entertain further delays.

“Let’s relax because our party is still strong, and I want to tell those who have been praying for its demise that it is an exercise in futility because we’re still united,’’ said Mr Mbowe, who was for the first time speaking publicly about Dr Slaa’s apparent withdrawal from the party.

Dr Slaa himself has maintained a studious silence, but growing speculation about his status prompted Mr Mbowe to speak out yesterday.

Yesterday’s meeting voted unanimously to send Dr Slaa on leave.

“We respect and love him, and this love shall continue, but we have to send him on leave. If he decides to rejoin us, we have no problem with that,’’ Mr Mbowe said amid cheers.

Chadema deputy secretary-general (Mainland) John Mnyika, who had also been at the centre of speculation for about a week, attended yesterday’s meeting.

Mr Mbowe said the outgoing Ubungo MP had been sick even though party officials maintained last week that he was on official duty elsewhere. Both Dr Slaa and Mr Mnyika did not attend a number of key functions, including a meeting to officially welcome Mr Lowassa to the party.

Dr Slaa has yet to convene a news conference to clear the air even after it was reported that he had resigned and would be retiring from active politics.

Efforts to reach him for comment failed yesterday after several calls to his mobile number went unanswered. The Citizen has also not been able to seen him at his Dar es Salaam home.

The last time Dr Slaa attended a Chadema meeting was on July 26 when the central committee sat in Dar es Salaam. Mr Lowassa also attended the meeting.

Top Chadema officials leadership have been evasive whenever asked to explain Dr Slaa’s absence from key meetings and functions.

Deputy secretary-general Salum Mwalimu said last week that Dr Slaa was busy with the party’s preparations for the General Election.

The National Convention is today scheduled to meet in Dar es Salaam to deliberate on, among other issues, the party’s manifesto, which was passed by the governing council yesterday.

Mr Mbowe said today’s meeting, which is expected to be broadcast live, would also endorse Mr Lowassa as the party’s presidential candidate and he would pick his running mate.

Mr Lowassa and his running mate will be officially introduced to party members and supporters at National Stadium at the weekend.

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