|
Lessons drawn from recent Bunge sessions
2006-07-24 08:59:51
By Rayner Ngonji
If you have been following bunge sessions very closely in the past two consecutive governments, that is, the second and third phase governments, you will notice that the trend of operations has drastically changed in comparison with the current National Assembly.
Whereas the latter decided to exercise transparency in its operations calling spade a spade, the two former assemblies were a bit conservative to say the least.
I think you understand what I mean by that reference. To be precise, what has been experienced at the on-going budget session a fortnight ago where two ministers were cornered for comprehensive explanation in relation to their performance wouldn’t have been allowed.
A Member of Parliament for Nzega (CCM), Lukas Selelii, challenged the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Basil Mramba, to explain why he allocated a big sum of money for roads construction in his own constituency, Rombo, leaving other constituencies with very serious infrastructure problems with minimum allocation of funds.
The Minister for Water, Stephen Wassira was also in for it when a member of Parliament for Kigoma North (CHADEMA), Kabwe Zito, accused him of favouring his constituency in water project funds allocation.
Another Member of parliament for Lupa (CCM), called on the Minister for Agriculture, Joseph Mungai to resign because of what he described as ’failure to deliver’ in all the ministerial posts he had been appointed.
Under normal circumstances that scenario wouldn’t have featured during the second and third phase governments.
Had that happened at that time, the respective MPs
would have been taken to task.
What usually happens when such situations develop is that the ruling party’s MPs sit as a party committee to pass the disputed bill in the process disciplining the MPs.
That was the direction during the entire 20-year second and third phase government.
MPs were bound to deliberate any motion/bill brought in parliament in favour of the government even in situations where it was obvious that ’...Mr Minister has erred’.
The end result of that practice was that the parliament looked as if it was a rubber stamp passing bills which even some of the legislators themselves couldn’t explain.
Thank God, with the advent of the fourth phase government things have now changed.
Bunge operations seem to have ’undergone’ a reform allowing democracy to prevail in full force.
The MPs under the new spirit of new pace, new zeal and new vigour are determined to deliver the goods contrary to the former situation.
They are not like new wine in an old bottle. Judging from the way things are, the current Assembly has opted to exercise transparency with a vision and if things go as they are, surely something tangible would be realised at the end of the day.
However, the newly developed trend in the august house carries only one message, that this in a new era and intrigues have no room in government circles.
You either become responsible to the powers you have been vested or surrender and give chance to others who are ready to deliver.
This is the time to cleanse the government of all irregularities and forge ahead thereby creating confidence amongst the people.
Esteemed MPs now discuss motions and bills in a free environment.
They have made the new government’s slogan of new vigour, new zeal and new pace bite. At least it’s gradually being felt by every citizenry.
The National Assembly is no longer a rubber stamp. You have to struggle to let your motion/bill sail through.
By the move the assembly has set a system that from now onwards whoever is concerned in any issue has to prepare himself to make the going smooth or else face the consequences.
Leaders and civil society must know that cover ups have no room in the present government system.
Long Live Fourth Phase government MPs! Long live president Kikwete!
|
