ACADEMICIANS have a key role to play at this
time around when the nation was deeply engaged in charting the new
national constitution badly required for the country's developments.
Addressing a forum of academicians at the University of Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Florens Turuka, implored the scholars to work collectively in fine tuning their views on crucial issues in the draft constitution so that ultimately will help the nation to come up with a blue print.
The scholars started assembling at the University effective yesterday, brainstorming on the draft constitution that is going to be debated in Dodoma by legislators and representative from various political parties, non-governmental organizations and other groups.
The academicians' forum dubbed, 100 academics conference for Katiba Bora' ends today. "Even a very brief look at the membership of the Constituent Assembly will show that it is made of people of perception and ability, so I do not expect a 'rubber stamping' approval of everything which has been proposed or the mere changing of a word here and a comma there," said Dr Turuka.
He also emphasized that the academicians should look at every proposal carefully and where they cannot approve any principle or proposal, they should make it clear and will be constructive about suggesting alternatives.
The future of the country depends on the kind of the constitution the nation is going to come up with; hence it is essential that the constituent assembly be critical and constructive, he continued.
"Now is the time to take stock and consider how the proposal as a whole will work in assisting our country to move forward and have a successful growing economy, strong democracy and a country where the contribution of every citizen from any background is valued," he said.
Professor Teddy Maliyamkono, the Executive Director of Eastern and Southern African Universities Research Programme (ESAURP) said; "we are scholars and we go with proofs and analysis and facts for the nation's interest unlike politicians."
As academicians, Professor Maliyamkono said that at the end of the discussions the recommendations will be made simple for every citizen to understand. On the other hand, Professor Peter Kagwanja, who is the CEO of Africa Policy Institute in Kenya and government adviser, said that Scholars are the ones to help in producing a new constitution and not politicians, as they do not do it for their own interests rather critically consider every subject of the proposal.
"Nobody should form the constitution for Tanzanians rather than Tanzanians themselves as they are the ones who know what they need," said Professor Kagwanja.
While Professor Bonaventure Rutinwa who is the dean of students at the University of Dar es Salaam school of law said that there is a lot to discuss on the proposed constitution but giving an emphasis on the three tier government as it has impact on other areas as well including citizenship; where it is objective of shared rights one enjoys in a nation including the right to vote, work and access to market.
He further said that the structure of the government is important as once it is passed; the parliament will not be able to change it until a referendum is called.
"Whether it is a three tier government, the present two tier government or one government, we have met to discuss and come up with the best that will serve the nation's interests," said Professor Rutinwa.
Dr Turuka urges scholars to be rigorous in the debate and keep in mind wider context on which the constitution will shape the future of the country.
Addressing a forum of academicians at the University of Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Florens Turuka, implored the scholars to work collectively in fine tuning their views on crucial issues in the draft constitution so that ultimately will help the nation to come up with a blue print.
The scholars started assembling at the University effective yesterday, brainstorming on the draft constitution that is going to be debated in Dodoma by legislators and representative from various political parties, non-governmental organizations and other groups.
The academicians' forum dubbed, 100 academics conference for Katiba Bora' ends today. "Even a very brief look at the membership of the Constituent Assembly will show that it is made of people of perception and ability, so I do not expect a 'rubber stamping' approval of everything which has been proposed or the mere changing of a word here and a comma there," said Dr Turuka.
He also emphasized that the academicians should look at every proposal carefully and where they cannot approve any principle or proposal, they should make it clear and will be constructive about suggesting alternatives.
The future of the country depends on the kind of the constitution the nation is going to come up with; hence it is essential that the constituent assembly be critical and constructive, he continued.
"Now is the time to take stock and consider how the proposal as a whole will work in assisting our country to move forward and have a successful growing economy, strong democracy and a country where the contribution of every citizen from any background is valued," he said.
Professor Teddy Maliyamkono, the Executive Director of Eastern and Southern African Universities Research Programme (ESAURP) said; "we are scholars and we go with proofs and analysis and facts for the nation's interest unlike politicians."
As academicians, Professor Maliyamkono said that at the end of the discussions the recommendations will be made simple for every citizen to understand. On the other hand, Professor Peter Kagwanja, who is the CEO of Africa Policy Institute in Kenya and government adviser, said that Scholars are the ones to help in producing a new constitution and not politicians, as they do not do it for their own interests rather critically consider every subject of the proposal.
"Nobody should form the constitution for Tanzanians rather than Tanzanians themselves as they are the ones who know what they need," said Professor Kagwanja.
While Professor Bonaventure Rutinwa who is the dean of students at the University of Dar es Salaam school of law said that there is a lot to discuss on the proposed constitution but giving an emphasis on the three tier government as it has impact on other areas as well including citizenship; where it is objective of shared rights one enjoys in a nation including the right to vote, work and access to market.
He further said that the structure of the government is important as once it is passed; the parliament will not be able to change it until a referendum is called.
"Whether it is a three tier government, the present two tier government or one government, we have met to discuss and come up with the best that will serve the nation's interests," said Professor Rutinwa.
Dr Turuka urges scholars to be rigorous in the debate and keep in mind wider context on which the constitution will shape the future of the country.
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