ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi on Thursday vowed to sustain his tough measures against embezzlement of public resources and heighten the anti-graft fight.
Speaking at the State House during the swearing in of Mr Ali Abdallah Ali as Director General (DG) of the ‘Zanzibar anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Authority (ZAECA) on Thursday, the president reminded his appointees in the government that they have to shun corruption.
He insisted that his administration will leave no stone unturned, asking the islanders to support the government spearheaded anti-corruption drive.
Dr Mwinyi also called for concerted efforts from all public and private institutions with the watchdog role, to get seriously involved in battling corruption and theft of public properties.
“The fight against corruption is crucial for the country’s development. Let every honest person get involved,” emphasised Dr Mwinyi.
President Mwinyi appointed Mr Ali at the helm of the anti-graft body, replacing Mr Ahmed Khamis Makarani, who resigned over the weekend.
President Mwinyi accepted Mr Makarani resignation letter over failure to spearhead the fight against bribery and economic sabotage.
“Corruption and embezzlement of public funds is negatively affecting our political, economic and social life. I need ZAECA to work closely with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) office, Judiciary, and all other relevant institutions including security organs, so that we control the vices,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He said the media, parliament and other organisations should also play their part of watchdog, so that the fight against corruption is won.
“The abuse of public office for private gain represents corruption in its worst form,” Dr Mwinyi said, as he also directed reform of ZAECA for efficiency.
He handed over a copy of the Zanzibar 2020/2021 Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report to the new ZAECA DG, directing him to dig deep into the raised issues in the report and take legal actions against all people implicated in the report. He said that the government will provide full support to ZAECA.
Dr Mwinyi mentioned fraud, which include tampering with payment systems in the Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB); Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication, and Transport; and Ministry of Health as examples of areas indicated in the CAG report that ZAECA must deal with immediately.
The Isles leader reiterated his call to ZAECA and urged the new boss to collaborate with other agencies in mitigating misconducts in public expenditure.
Speaking after taking oath of office, Mr Ali told journalists that he will do everything in his capacity to deliver.
“I have received the directive from the president and promise not to let him and Zanzibaris down. Since we are backed by laws, nothing will stop us from executing our duties effectively. I ask all the stakeholders to support us by providing maximum cooperation,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman, Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, and the Speaker of Zanzibar House of Representatives Mr Zubeir Ali Maulid, among several high profiles in Zanzibar.
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