Sumaye, please tell us more

IN what can be taken as an admission-cum-repentance by former Premier of Tanzania, Fredrick Sumaye, has come with a new ambiguous approach.

He was quoted as ranting and raving at investors when he was addressing a China-Africa Business Conference at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. In his words, investors are plundering our resources as they leave us in penury!

So they’re an economic anathema. It is true. Investors plunder our resources. But who bring them in? Who master mind and bless their deals? These are crucial questions to be addressed by the political ‘born-agaiN’ Sumaye.

When I heard these words, I could not believe in the first place. However, I had to believe knowing how our politicians arrogantly behave. It is when I remembered Sumaye during his hey days. I still remember vividly; how Sumaye and his friend, Mkapa left silently and unceremoniously without declaring their wealth, contrary to the requirements of the law.

Methinks. Tanzanians still need and deserve to know why and what transpired. Is it that Sumaye has already safely stashed his cash and now he comes forth to pre-empt the goings-on?

The all-time smarter and ever changing politicos always take us for a ride.I however concur with Sumaye on his remarks: save that I differ with him on many points. Major one being that bogus investors are not our chief economic enemy; but our local skew-whiff politicians in high places. For they collude with the investors Sumaye is accusing to rob us.

If anything, the lust for power and money by our tawdry politicians is to blame. Refer to the Richmond scam that saw Edward Lowassa who succeeded Sumaye being rooted out within a short time. Refer to Tangold, Meremeta, Deep Green, Kagoda and other ghost companies that have a direct link to Sumaye’s best friend and boss, environed former president Benjamin Mkapa whose regime goes down to history as the most corrupt and irresponsible one.

Sumaye, if anything, was a consigliore of Mkapa as Lowassa was to current President Jakaya Kikwete. And this is why he survived all bugaboos and calls wanting him out before his time. He was a good boy to Mkapa who, as well, was a good boy to investors and donors.

Under their regime (Mkapa-Sumaye), Tanzanians suffered a lot of miseries thanks to corruption in general and wheel deals resulting from their self serving behaviour. Those who loved and knew the late National Bank of Commerce, the ever sick Tanesco, always in ICU BOT, the all-time sick economy of Tanzania despite being a fifth producer of minerals in Africa, all-time rich bureaucrats and other monumental developments, not to forget CCM’s Tsunami like victory thanks to takrima, will rightly judge between Sumaye and I.

I strongly tax him to come forth and speak so that he can be heard, assessed and judged rightly. Like Saulus, now that Sumaye has seen the light. Let him comment on Mkapa, family and friends’ saga. Let him tell all just like Saulus who used to persecute the disciples.

Yeah, Sumaye used to persecute us. He used to intimidate the opposition that is now doing a tremendous job of unraveling the mystery of their ‘good job’ under their transparency and truth that turned to be a hoax.

I remember, Sumaye, who was alleged to be a billionaire thanks to the underworld deals, used to invite people, be they investors or politicians, to his party so as to see their lives changed abruptly, thanks to the laissez faire system of bowing to investors and deal makers. What does Sumaye say on this?

If I were at Ngurdoto on the material day, I’d have put it to him to shed more light on his renaissance, love and valour for our nation his government sent to purgatory.

Being a friend and consigliore to Mkapa, I strongly believe. Sumaye knows much more than we do. And if he is not mistaken, his step, is more reconciliatory than anything. Shall he want us to take him seriously, let him speak louder and louder regardless of whether his words will vindicate some of his friends. This too will help his best friend Benjamin Mkapa who has maintained silence for his detriment.

So despite all good intentions and a new vision, if Sumaye is really sincere and serious, let him do the right thing: Shed more light. So as to adumbrate his point, please Sumaye, tell us more about your new take.

Source: The Thisday May 8, 2008.