The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mnangagwa

  • Chamisa protests Mnangagwa’s victory

    Chamisa protests Mnangagwa’s victory

    President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has been elected to a second term in office.

    The electoral commission said Mnangagwa polled 52.6% of the votes cast.

    Nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his ruthlessness, Mnangagwa is Zimbabwe’s third president. He became leader after a 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, who had ruled the southern African nation for 37 years.

    Read Also: Zimbabwe opposition leader claims ‘rigging’

    According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Nelson Chamisa, candidate of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), secured 44% of the vote.

    Mnangagwa received more than 2.3 million votes. Chamisa garnered 1.9 million, ZEC said.

    Voter turnout in the country of almost 16 million was 69%.

    The constitutional court has upheld the result of the election, amid claims of widespread rigging from the opposition.

  • Mnangagwa on my mind Zimbabwe was first free; is now free indeed Plus your responses

    ZIMBABWE’S Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has been removed from his post. The country’s Information Minister, Simon Khaya said seventy five year old Mr Mnangagwa had displayed traits of disloyalty….”

    One year ago this first week of November, that was the news that went out on the Zimbabwe debacle. Today, as I look back at all that has happened in that nation in the short space of twelve months, I not only marvel, but feel I just must share.

    First up, I admit that like many other Nigerians I interact with, finding a political hero, or even a political role model (as against the political-godfatherism style in operation) is a tall order. So in order to get any inspiration, I tend to focus on continental heroes like Nelson Mandela, Kenneth Kaunda and even Robert Mugabe! No, it is not the now- Mugabe that I admire, he is the archetypical Sit-Tight African Ruler.

    What I do for myself is I narrow my source of inspiration to the Mugabe of lore, the Mugabe we read of who freed his country from white minority rule. I am inspired by his doggedness in wresting his nation from the grips of a racist regime to ta self-ruling one, changing it from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe.

    That was why I took a long, careful look at him where he sat at the end of the row from me at the state box during Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential Inauguration, on my way to my seat. It was intriguing for me to set my eyes on ‘the Mr. Robert Mugabe’.

    Only that in my rating, he had plummeted to the lows, by virtue of his maintaining a vice-like grip on the reins of  power, even when he could no longer give any semblance of effective governance.

    And then, just two years later in 2017, the whispers came to ear that Zimbabwe’s former Intelligence Chief and partaker in the liberation struggle – Emmerson Mnangagwa was being tipped as the most likely person to be Zimbabwe’s next leader. Meaning there was hope for a Mugabe exit!

    The shame of Mugabe’s poor and endless rule masking as a democracy was the shame of all Africa. Zimbabwe’s Vice President seemed a plum choice. But somebody wasn’t having it. Somebody felt that the stepping aside by Mugabe should not be such a very big step: it should rather be no more than a slight shift in the seat.

    Mrs. Grace Mugabe, Zimbabwean First Lady and leader of that nation’s kitchen cabinet wielded enormous power at that time. She thought through the Zimbabwean succession plan and decided that SHE herself was the most suitable person to succeed the ninety-three year old Mugabe. In fact, she had even earlier called on her husband to remove his Vice President.

    Then in the first week of November 2017, it happened, the V.P was sacked from office, just as the First Lady had planned. With the removal of Mnangagwa, the next step was to have been for the ruling party, the ZANU-PF to convene a special congress in December 2017.

    That “special” congress was to be held to announce the “appointment” of Grace Mugabe as Vice President; preparatory to her anointing and subsequent election as presidential candidate and then President of Zimbabwe.

    Unknown to them all, the sacking of the Vice President was to be the last straw that would break the Zimbabwean peoples’ back. There would be no secret special congresses for predetermined candidates anymore!.

    Today, after the awful upheaval at the “beginning of the end”, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa now sits as the democratically elected President of the nation of Zimbabwe and Mr. Robert Mugabe’s stronghold is broken forever!!

    A special thought goes out to the brave people who lost their lives in the initial struggle to eject the Mugabe’s from the Presidential Villa. Their deaths were not in vain.

    Your Responses

    Re Labour Strike Suspension, A Temporary Truce

    I am very interested in your newspaper column on this issue of minimum wage. I want to say that N56,000 is just nothing. Consider what is the present inflation trend and economic reality. Can that money even feed a politician’s dog in a week, not to talk of paying their child’s 1 term school fees? So what is the complaint of people on that figure? To me, that figure is too mean.

    Oowi, Civil Servant, Otukpo.

    Please what was the outcome of the Tripartite Committee Meeting?

    Comrade Andrew, Ministry of Defense, Abuja.

    Although the Tripartite Committee put forth N24,000 as new minimum wage, state governors are saying they would only pay N22,500. Neither the federal government nor organized labour is in support; in fact labour has now threatened to revert to its earlier proposal of N66,500. Strike action looms in two days’ time. Princess

    I wish to inform that the relevant law stipulates that every time the minimum wage is reviewed, pension and gratuity is reviewed at every 5 years but this has not been the case in Ogun State. Since 2011 pensioners still earn N5,000. I appeal to the Tripartite Committee to remember the pensioners in their recommendations thanks.

    08068—-023.

    Your October piece of the Princess Files drew my surprise and or ire.

    An N18,000 minimum wage in a depressed economy to my mind smacks of deliberate pauperization of the citizenry. And government with the promise of Eldorado should halt the workers’ poverty condition. Give the workers’ a living wage please.

    Adeniyi Moshood Oyo State.

    You would do well to reread my piece for better understanding. Here is a quote from what I wrote “N18,000 monthly, it bears saying is abysmally low for a minimum wage. That is $49 a month… Nigerians now grapple with very high cost of living”. Princess

    Re How Transient Power Is

    Dame Jonathan fought while still in charge at the Presidency for the installation of Wike as the Governor of her state. Thank God Wike has not forsaken this particular helper, ostracized by other fair weather friends. One expects you to end your piece with “though belated, happy birthday to “Madam Peace”.

    Elder L. David Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State.

    Greetings, good piece on Patience but do another comparing hangers on our country to vultures. You know vultures converge when cows are slaughtered.

    08037—688.

    Re. NBA President Paul Usoro

    I pray that the Almighty God grant you more purposeful years, continued good health and vitality in the service of NBA and Nigerian people at large. (for Mr. Paul Usoro) Gabriel Oko, Lagos.

    (Responses to 07055547031)

  • President congratulates Keita, Mnangagwa on election victories

    President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has heartily congratulated President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali on winning the country’s election for a second term in office.

    He also felicitated with majority of Malians for giving the incumbent another opportunity to serve them after the August 12, 2018 presidential run-off.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, also urged the main challenger, Soumaila Cisse, and his supporters to abide by the verdict of the people as confirmed by the ruling of the Constitutional Court and join hands with President Keita in the interest of the country in particular and peace and stability of West Africa.

    The Nigerian leader firmly believed that the successful outcome of the election in Mali further strengthens Africa’s democratic credentials as the people are allowed to choose their leaders without let or hindrance.

    Buhari wished President Keita a successful second tenure in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.

    Similarly, the Nigerian president has congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe following his declaration by the country’s Constitutional Court as the lawful winner of the July presidential poll.

    President Buhari called on all Zimbabweans, especially the politicians, to unite and work for the progress and development of their country.

  • Buhari congratulates Keita, Mnangagwa on election victories

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday congratulated President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe on their victories in their respective country’s elections.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, issued the Buhari’s congratulatory message in Abuja on Friday.

    Buhari hailed Malians for giving the incumbent another opportunity to serve them after the Aug. 12 presidential run-off even as Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court declared Mnangagwa the winner of the July presidential poll.

    The ECOWAS Chairman urged Keita’s main challenger, Soumaila Cisse, and his supporters to abide by the verdict of the people as confirmed by the ruling of the constitutional court.

    He enjoined Cisse to cooperate with Keita in the interest of the country in particular, and peace and stability of West Africa.

    Buhari expressed his optimism that the successful outcome of the election in Mali would further strengthens Africa’s democratic credentials as the citizens exercised their franchise in choosing their leader without let or hindrance.

    He wished Keita a successful second tenure in a peaceful and stable atmosphere and urged all Zimbabweans, especially politicians, to unite and work for the progress and development of their country.(NAN)

  • Economic growth: Mnangagwa urges officials to adopt new culture

    President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has urged public officials to adopt a new culture of facilitating economic growth in the country, warning that incompetent people will not be tolerated in the new political dispensation.

    Officially opening the 59th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Zimbabwe’s second city, Mnangagwa said the officials should change their work ethic to facilitate both domestic and foreign investment and the ease of doing business.

    “My government will not tolerate any form of public lethargy, undue delays, bottlenecks, bribery and corruption.

    “Those that will be impediments in the economic growth agenda will fall by the wayside.

    “Residual resistance of any kind is unacceptable. The mentality of them and us must end. Sustainable economic growth will be achieved by us together – government, the private sector and foreign investors alike,” he said.

    The fair began on Tuesday with focus on sustainable industrial development and running under the theme “Sustainable Industrial Development – Inclusive, Competitive, Collaborative”.

    Chinese companies, together with others from countries such as Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Brazil, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and Zambia, are exhibiting at the fair which ends Saturday.

    Mnangagwa also reiterated that Zimbabwe was safe for business and that private property rights would be protected.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, we continue to invite both domestic and foreign investors to tap into the diverse opportunities offered in Special Economic Zones and open economy in general,” he said.

    He added that following his recent visit to China, the establishment of a tourism and financial economic zone in the premier resort town of Victoria Falls would be speeded up.

    A Chinese multinational group is expected to build a multi-billion-dollar special economic zone in the town.

    Mnangagwa also called for viable industrialisation strategies which he said were fundamental for value addition and beneficiation of natural and home-grown resources.

    “I therefore exhort all players in industry and commerce to produce quality goods, to increase capacity utilization, think outside the box and come up with solutions that reduce production costs and enhance product competitiveness,” he said.

    Industry must also adopt viable policies and business strategies that foster export-led growth, he added.

    He said to ease foreign currency and liquidity challenges bedeviling the country, industry and commerce should be export oriented.

  • I never thought Mnangagwa will turn against me, says Mugabe

    Zimbabwe’s former leader, Robert Mugabe, said in an interview broadcast on Thursday that he never thought President Emmerson Mnangagwa would turn against him and denounced Mnangagwa’s move to oust him in 2017 as a coup.

    Mugabe, 94, ruled Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 until he stepped down under pressure from Mnangagwa’s allies in the army in November.

    Viewed by some as a liberation hero, others remember Mugabe for turning a promising country into an economic basket and international pariah.

    Mnangagwa, who was Deputy President under Mugabe, promised to open up Zimbabwe to foreign investment and mend ties with the West since assuming power.

    “I never thought that Mnangagwa, whom I nurtured and brought into government and whose life I worked so hard in prison to save as he was threatened with hanging, that one day he would be the man who would turn against me,” Mugabe said in the interview with South African state broadcaster SABC from Harare.

    Mnangagwa was convicted of sabotage under white minority rule and sentenced to death.

    But he was spared the noose because it was deemed that he was a minor when he committed the crime.

    Mugabe said he was ousted in a “military takeover” and that Mnangagwa had assumed the presidency illegally.

    “I don’t hate Emmerson, I brought him into government. But he must be proper; he is improper where he is. Illegal,” Mugabe said.

    “We must undo this disgrace, which we have imposed on ourselves. We don’t deserve it.”

    Since his fall from power, Mugabe has stayed at his Harare mansion with his wife Grace.

    His ousting was the culmination of a power struggle between Mnangagwa and Grace Mugabe, who was being groomed by her husband as his potential successor.

    Mugabe was granted immunity from prosecution and assured that his safety will be protected in his home country under a deal that led to his resignation.

    Mugabe quit as parliament began a process to impeach him, triggering wild celebrations in the streets.

    Zimbabwe was once one of Africa’s most promising economies but suffered decades of decline as Mugabe pursued policies that included the violent seizure of white-owned commercial farms and money-printing that led to hyperinflation.

    Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe still wants to end discrimination between black and white farmers but will seek new ways to compensate those, who have lost their properties.

    Former colonial ruler Britain said in February that Harare should press on with transparent and fair land reform. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa takes power, vows to serve all citizens

    Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa takes power, vows to serve all citizens

    Zimbabwe’s new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has addressed a packed stadium, vowing to serve all citizens.

    He said he felt “deeply humbled” to take the role.

    And he said he was “not oblivious to the many Zimbabweans from across the political and racial divides who have helped make this day.”

    He paid tribute to his predecessor, Robert Mugabe – to muted applause – calling him “a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader”.

    Mr Mugabe left office dramatically this week after 37 years of authoritarian rule. His departure followed a power struggle in which Mr Mnangagwa was sacked as vice president to pave the way for Grace Mugabe, the then-first lady, to take up the presidency.

    Mr Mnangagwa fled the country, but returned to a hero’s welcome and yesterday struck a conciliatory tone.

    “The task at hand is that of rebuilding our country,” he said.

    “I am required to serve our country as the president of all citizens, regardless of colour, creed, religion, tribe, totem or political affiliation.”

    Although Mr Mnangagwa has unseated Zimbabwe’s long-time ruler, he is still associated by many with some of the worst atrocities committed under the ruling ZANU-PF  since the country gained independence in 1980.

    How did the inauguration unfold?

    Tens of thousands of people packed the National Sports Stadium in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to witness the inauguration. Pop singer Jah Prayzer provided the entertainment and, as people in the crowd danced, the atmosphere was closer to that of a concert.

    Dignitaries, including leaders from various African countries, filed in to cheers.

    Opposition leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru – who both had their sights on the presidency at various times – were there.

    Mr Mnangagwa was led in the oath of office by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, saying he would “be faithful to Zimbabwe”, “protect and promote the rights and people of Zimbabwe” and discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.

    Mr Mnangagwa was accompanied by his wife, Auxilia, and gave her a kiss after the green presidential sash was placed around his neck.

  • Mnangagwa: The ‘Crocodile,’ sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new president

    Mnangagwa: The ‘Crocodile,’ sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new president

    Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in on Friday as President of Zimbabwe in Harare, bringing the final curtain down on the 37-year rule of Robert Mugabe.

    Taking his oath of office, the 75-year-old former security chief known as ‘The Crocodile’ vowed to uphold the constitution of the former British colony and protect the rights of Zimbabwe’s 16 million citizens.

    Even though most Zimbabweans celebrated the exit of 93-year-old Mugabe, some were worried about the future under Mnangagwa.

    In particular, they questioned his role in the so-called Gukurahundi massacres in Matabeleland in 1983 when an estimated 20,000 people were killed in a crackdown on Mugabe opponents by the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade.

    Mnangagwa had, however, denied any part in the atrocities since his return to Zimbabwe after two weeks in hiding and had been preaching democracy, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

    “The people have spoken. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” he told thousands of supporters on Wednesday at the headquarters of his ruling ZANU-PF party.

    Mugabe, the world’s oldest serving head of state, resigned on Tuesday as parliament started to impeach him, a week to the day after the army stepped in to seize power.

    Meanwhile, Mnangagwa had assured Mugabe and his family that they would be safe in Zimbabwe when the two men spoke for the first time since Mnangagwa returned home this week, the state-owned The Herald newspaper reported on Friday.

    The new Zimbabwean leader was sworn in, in front of thousands of cheering supporters at Harare’s national stadium.

    Read Also: Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new president

  • Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa says Mugabe, family safe

    Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa says Mugabe, family safe

    Incoming Zimbabwe leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, assured former President Robert Mugabe, he and his family would be safe in the country, state media said on Friday.

    Mnangagwa gave the assurance on friday, when the two men spoke for the first time since he returned home this week.

    The State-owned The Herald newspaper said Mugabe and Mnangagwa, who is set to be sworn in as president later on Friday, had agreed that the former leader may not attend the swearing-in ceremony because he was tired.

    Also, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), an intergovernmental organisation, said on Friday that it was ready to work closely with Zimbabwe’s incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government.

    Mnangagwa is due to be sworn in as Zimbabwean president on Friday following the resignation of Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

    SADC is a 16-country intergovernmental organisation which is currently chaired by South Africa President Jacob Zuma.

    Similarly, Mugabe was granted immunity from prosecution, sources close to the negotiations said on Thursday.

    According to the source, Mugabe was assured that his safety would be protected in his home country as part of a deal that led to his resignation.

    Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for close to four decades but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him.

    Mugabe led Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him.

    A government source said Mugabe, who is 93, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.

    “It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it,” said the source, who is not authorised to speak on the details of the negotiated settlement.

    “For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country…although that will not stop him from traveling abroad when he wants to or has to,” the source said.

    Mugabe’s rapid downfall was triggered by a battle to succeed him that pitted Mnangagwa against Mugabe’s wife Grace.

    Read Also: Mugabe: I want to die in Zimbabwe