Dimani MP’s death shocks Bunge

 

MR Hafidh Ali Tahir (Dimani-CCM) was among ten Members of Parliament (MPs) picked to represent fellow legislators at the former Speaker Samuel Sitta’s burial slated for today in Urambo District.

Little did he know he would go into the grave before Sitta who died on Monday at the Technical University Hospital in Munich, Germany. In sound health, the MP participated in all Parliamentary activities on Thursday. 

 

But yesterday morning the story was different. He was brought to the Parliament premises at 9.50 am in a funeral van for last respects before being flown to Zanzibar for burial. He died yesterday at 3.00 am while receiving medical treatment at Dodoma General Hospital.

A legendary sportsman cum journalist, according to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Job Ndugai, the lawmaker fell sick suddenly on Thursday night. He went to hospital where it was discovered that he had cardiac problems. He got admitted immediately. The medics fought hard for his life, but they failed.

Reports on his untimely death went viral early in the morning with a number of MPs busting into tears. “We have lost a friend, relative and leader,” Speaker Ndugai told the National Assembly.

Tahir’s death compelled Mr Ndugai to call for temporary annulment of House Standing Orders to give room for MPs to say goodbye to their beloved colleague.

The morning session was adjourned until 2.40 pm when the House activities resumed - mainly to pay last respects to former House Speaker Samwel Sitta and adjournment of the fifth parliamentary meeting.

The Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, said the fallen MP was such a friendly colleague who was devoted wholeheartedly to serve the nation and his electorate. He said the government has been shocked and saddened by the news of Tahir’s demise.

The prime minister noted that the incident should be a lesson to all people that love and unity should prevail as no one knows his or her date. Leader of the Opposition Camp, Mr Freeman Mbowe, commented that Tahir cooperated with all MPs, putting aside political differences.

He said the country was passing through a difficult time due to frequent deaths of national leaders, urging Tanzanians to remain united and love each other.

Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee Chairperson, Ms Naghenjwa Kaboyoka, (Same East- Chadema), said the fallen MP was such a hardworking person who could encourage his fellow lawmakers to clear committee activities even after midnight.

Mr Ibrahim Raza (Kiembe Samaki-CCM) and Asha Abdallah Juma (Special Seats-CCM) both broke into tears, saying they could not believe that their colleague had really passed away.

Born on October 30, 1953, Tahir had served as the Head of Broadcasting at Radio of Zanzibar and later moved to the sports fraternity. He served as Dimani MP since 2005.

Meanwhile, President John Magufuli has sent a condolence message to the National Assembly Speaker, Mr Job Ndugai, following the death of Dimani Member of Parliament (MP), Hafidh Ali Tahir. “I have been shocked by the news of his death.

I request you Honourable Speaker to convey my condolences to the grieved family, Members of Parliament (MPs), Dimani residents, relatives and friends for the demise of the lawmaker.

“Tahir will be remembered for his great contributions in civil service, sports and as people’s representative,” said Dr Magufuli in a statement availed in Dar es Salaam yesterday.