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| Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, faced off with her main rival, Chadema’s Joseph Mbilinyi, in a heated exchange at an event in Mbeya City. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, found herself in a tough spot during an interview with Wasafi Media's Good Morning show in Mbeya on 27th September 2024.
Pressed by the show’s hosts, Dr. Tulia faced difficult questions regarding the government’s handling of sensitive issues like abductions and the rising cost of living.
The Speaker was hesitant when asked why she had previously blocked the Parliament from discussing abduction cases, despite the legislative body’s role in holding the government accountable.
One of the journalists probed, “How is it that people are disappearing, fingers are being pointed at the police, yet Parliament fails to address this matter thoroughly? Some MPs tried to raise these concerns, but you, as Speaker, shut them down. Why?”
The journalist further highlighted unresolved cases, including the disappearance of Mwananchi journalist Azory Gwanda and opposition figure Ben Saanane, asking why Parliament has not taken serious action to restore public confidence.
The questioning became more intense as the journalists cited the recent disappearance of Kombo Mbwana in Tanga, whose whereabouts were unknown for weeks until the police eventually admitted they had him in custody.
They also referred to activist Edgar Edson Mwakabela, known as Sativa, who was reportedly tortured and left in the Katavi forest—an incident that has cast a shadow over the police.
During the interview, a journalist highlighted the robust accountability measures taken in the U.S. when law enforcement is implicated in criminal activities. Citing examples like the swift action taken when a former president was targeted, he remarked, "In countries like the U.S, when security agencies are accused of misconduct, special committees are immediately formed to thoroughly investigate and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Why is it that here, we remain silent?"
Pressed on these incidents, Dr. Tulia held firm, refusing to single out the police. She said, "In today’s world, there are many scammers. Even I’ve been falsely associated with offering loans through the Tulia Trust. So, it’s not every incident of murder or abduction that’s directly tied to the police."
She emphasized that without proper evidence or official reports on her desk, she couldn’t authorize Parliament to urgently discuss these issues, adding, “I can't allow such matters to be discussed in an emergency session, especially when investigations are ongoing. The government always carries out these investigations, and that's their job.”
When asked about the increasing hardship faced by Tanzanians, the Speaker was also put on the spot.
Journalists questioned why, despite her consistent praise for the current government, citizens are grappling with the high cost of living, which has spiked just before local elections.
One journalist asked, “Prices have skyrocketed, yet you continue to commend the government. What must you say to the people struggling with these rising costs?”
On her ability to juggle multiple roles—including being Speaker, head of the world’s parliamentary bodies, and MP for Mbeya City—Dr. Tulia acknowledged her busy schedule.
"Yes, I’ve been to New York for the UN Assembly, and yes, I am president of world parliaments, but I can manage my duties. Mbeya is my home, and I’m not going anywhere," she asserted confidently.
Dr. Tulia also addressed the thorny issue of police accountability, stating she would urge them to be more transparent whenever incidents occur to avoid being wrongly implicated.
"I believe the police are doing their job to protect us, and we must support them. Whenever accusations arise, the law takes its course,” she said.
Dr. Tulia seemed unfazed in response to growing opposition efforts to unseat the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
She dismissed any serious threat from the opposition’s attempts to unite, stating, “They are fragmented—one says this, another says that. Given the tremendous work done by CCM, it won’t be easy to topple us.”
Referring to the ongoing Wasafi Festival in Mbeya, she added, “You can see the excitement in the crowd. Just mention Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and people respond enthusiastically. The development under CCM is clear.”
She called for self-reliance and discouraged constant blame on the government, reminding the public that the rising cost of living is a global issue.
“I’ve traveled the world, and I can tell you, prices are rising everywhere,” she said. "We can’t hand out money to everyone. Each individual must work hard to lift themselves economically.”
Dr. Tulia's concluding remarks were a pointed reminder of her achievements in Mbeya, from improving schools to expanding water and electricity services.
“The work speaks for itself,” she smiled. “The people know, and that’s why I’ll be staying right here in Mbeya.”
As the eighth season of the Tulia Traditional Dance Festival kicks off in Mbeya, it's clear that the festival serves not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform to boost her political standing in the region, particularly against her main rival, Chadema’s Joseph Mbilinyi, popularly known as Sugu.