Tanzania Speaker's Call for Reconciliation, Unity

Dar es Salaam — NCCR-Mageuzi chairman James Mbatia has welcomed the call by Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai for reconciliation between the Opposition and the ruling CCM over the political stalemate in the country.

Mr Mbatia, who doubles as co-chair of the coalition of opposition parties (Ukawa), cautioned that the move should not have hidden agenda.

He said this on Sunday during an interview with Azam TV's Tido Mhando's Funguka programme.

Mr Mbatia, who represents Vunjo in Parliament, said Mr Ndugai should be commended by all Tanzanians of good will, for his initiative to restore unity and harmony in the country saying that the Opposition was not treated fairly in the last Parliament sitting.

Deputy Speaker Tulia Ackson, said Mr Mbatia, never bothered to work on the Opposition's concerns over alleged violation of the Constitution and other standing orders, thus they had no option but to leave Bunge sessions.