{UAH} Warioba: A stress-free life is very refreshing - National - thecitizen.co.tz
|
1:58 PM |
No comments |
Warioba: A stress-free life is very refreshing - National
Justice Joseph Warioba, a one-time prime minister who has also held various other major posts, the latest being chairmanship of the Constitution Review Commission. photo | Salim Shao
In Summary
He said it was improper for them to cling onto their positions till they die, should step aside to create opportunities for younger people.
Dar es Salaam. After serving the country for over three decades in various capacities, a veteran politician and legal expert, Judge (rtd) Joseph Warioba, says as a source of happiness, nothing is comparable to retiring as a physically fit and highly respected person.
The humble 74-year-old one-time prime minister told The Citizen on Sunday in an exclusive interview at his residence that he is currently leading a simple and happy life.
Recalling tight schedules, political pressure and questions on various issues when he was in active service, Justice Warioba says he derives much joy from his current largely stress-free life.
"Frankly speaking, the pressures associated with high-profile posts are physically and mentally very taxing; so, my current slow-paced life enables me to rest and enjoy myself considerably," he said.
Justice Warioba says it is prudent for elderly people to accept changes, step aside and create room for young compatriots to take up leadership posts.
"I'm appealing to fellow elders to retire, to let younger men and women to practise and lead this country; we have played our part; let's hand over the task to the youth," he said.
The retired premier's sentiments come against the backdrop of periodic calls by some members of parliament on elders to step aside and give chances to the youth to step in as leaders.
Those who have publicly declared interest in contesting for the presidency include Kigoma North MP (Chadema) Zitto Kabwe, and deputy minister for Science and Technology January Makamba.
In Parliament recently, the Nyamagana MP, Ezekiel Wenje (Chadema), said elderly politicians should critically weigh whether they still have the steam to serve wananchi.
He said it was improper for them to cling onto their positions till they die, should step aside to create opportunities for younger people.
Justice Warioba referred to the example set by Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, of stepping down voluntarily and confining himself to an advisory role.
He recalled that Mwalimu Nyerere often invoked the Kizanaki word 'kun'gatuka', which stood for quitting, to drive forcefully home, the need for elders to transfer leadership roles to the younger generation.
By extension, he said Mwalimu pointed out that, retirees would nonetheless be available for consultations and advice.
Justice Warioba noted that some people were wary of life outside politics.
"It's obvious that there are some people who do not like to think about life out of politics and leadership positions, but for me, this is one of the best moments I am enjoying," he said.
Mr Warioba served as Prime Minister and vice-president from 1985 to 1990.
He was born in Bunda, Mara Region. He graduated from the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam in 1966. From 1966 to 1968, he served as state attorney and from 1968 to 1970, as solicitor for the City Council.
In 1970, he graduated from the Hague Academy of International Law. From 1976 to 1983, he served as the attorney general. From 1983 until his election as prime minister, he served as minister of justice.
Following his tenure as prime minister, he served as a judge on the Hamburg, Germany-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea from 1996 to 1999.
Furthermore in 1996, President Benjamin Mkapa appointed him chairman of the Presidential Commission Against Corruption, better known as the Warioba Commission.
In 2007, Justice Warioba was chosen to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group in the Nigerian elections. He gave a positive assessment of the elections, deeming them to be progress while also saying that there were irregularities.
In 2013, President Jakaya Kikwete appointed him to lead the Constitution Review Commission, which presented the second constitution draft before Constituent Assembly in March, 2014.
0 comments:
Post a Comment