The Group Managing Director of KSK Group of Companies Ghana Limited, Chief Kamalrideen Ibn Farid Bagonluri has eulogized the late Tanzanian first gentleman, President John Pombe Magufuli, describing his demise as a big loss to Africa.
Africa on Wednesday March 17, 2021, woke up to one of the shocking developments from the Eastern part of the continent when the death of President Magufuli aged 61, was announced, sending shock waves many and bringing the whole country to a spontaneous standstill. Sworn-in on 5th November, 2015 as the fifth president of Tanzania, President Magufuli earned the nickname “the Bulldozer” for his strict and visionary leadership.
“It was no surprise that, his death brought the African continent to a standstill, because Tanzania saw a drastic change from the onset of his administration. The public service in particular was the first to experience the new era of leadership as he paid unannounced visits to state institutions which caught workers off-guard and these visits undoubtedly instilled discipline, accountability, and high productivity”, Chief Bagonluri said in a statement.
The late President, he said, also uncovered over 30,000 ghost workers and those with fake academic credentials who were on government payroll, saving the country about $190m, adding, he was an anti-corruption crusader and despised acts that constitute corruption and other forms of malfeasance.
“The economy of Tanzania before the reign of Magufuli was struggling but he was able to raise it from tatters to a stable economy leading to Tanzania becoming a Middle-Income Country and he believed that, Africa could stand the test of time without relying on the developed countries”, he added.
“We shall never forget about his efforts and contributions to the development of Tanzania and most importantly the lessons, knowledge and call to duty we drew from his actions and decisions for a better Tanzania but honestly, we have missed the opportunity for Magufuli to take us (some African leaders) through the final points of governance”.
Chief Bagonlur noted further that, the late stateman was a true Pan-Africanist whose love for his country and the Africa continent was unparalleled as he led without fear or favour, adding that, Tanzania and for that matter Africa has lost a gem.
“As the Group Managing Director of KSK Group of Companies Ghana Limited, I want to use this opportunity to send my condolences to the bereaved family and all my respected friends and in-laws of Tanzania, for John pombe magufuli gone too soon but a Life well lived for his mother Tanzania. I will also admonish the newly sworn-in President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan to stay resolute in this trying time and do her outmost best to sustain the gains and do more to keep the country still on track”, he said.
