At a time when they would rather be holidaying in the Zanzibar, public leaders in Tanzania have been directed to submit their assets and liabilities declaration forms before the turn of the year. The Tanzanian publication, The Citizen reports that President John Magufuli on the 28th of December directed the Ethics Commissioner Judge Harold Nsekela to ensure it does not accept forms submitted after the 31st of December. Proesident Magufuli is said to have issued the directive after submitting his own forms to the Ethics Secretariat. In 2016, Magufuli also said he would sack ministers who failed to declare their assets and sign an anti-corruption pledge.
Naming and Shaming Corrupt Leaders
The Ethics Secretariat in Tanzania has the very important role of identifying and publicizing unethical behaviour in office. Tanzania has a law that all African countries probably need that provides for declarations of assets and defiance is an offence. The President is entitled to take disciplinary measures against public leaders and officials who do not submit their forms and these include severe reprimand, demotion, suspension, summary dismissal, prosecution or any other deemed fit. Commissioner Nsekela said public officials are allowed to hold any amount of property but the source of the wealth should be explained clearly. This aims to allay fears by the leaders that they will be suspected of illegal enterprise if they declare vast assets.
President Magufuli is known for his no-nonsense stance on corruption and Tanzania is better for it.
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