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By Elisha Magolanga TUICo, and Hussein Ndubikile TUICo
Religious leaders have been urged to use their position in the society and persuade their followers in the fight against corruption which is on the increase in recent years.
The call was made yesterday by Kinondoni regional Acting PCCB commander Frida Wikesi at a one day seminar on corruption for religious leaders in Dar es Salaam.
She said that due to the lust for quick richness among leaders from all walks of life, corruptions has become rampart in many places, something which can be easily defeated with joint efforts between the government and the religious leaders.
The Acting commander explained since many people are now more educated on civic education than before, there is also increase and willingness in reportage of corruption acts.
“The fighting against corruption is the obligation of all citizens including religious leaders, it should not be the work of PCCB as some people think, your support is highly needed to make a difference” said Wikesi.
For his part, Full Gospel Bible Fellowship of Coast Diocese Bishop Mtemi Mathias said that some leaders lack fear of God hence involve in corruption acts which is a very set back to social justice, good governance and economic development.
“It is impossible to end corruption actions if some section of the society including leaders will lack moral ethics which is key to integrity, honest, and dignity” He added.
The Bishop said that PCCB should educate people on the impacts of corruption from the grassroots level so that many people from the local level can get on board in the fight against the menace.
Rev. Wilbert Mwasumbi, who represented the Christian Council of Tanzania, cited poor social services like health, and education as the main sources of corruption through which the executives and leaders solicit bribe at the expense of poor people.
For his part, the Sheikh for Kinondoni District, Mohamed Muhenga said that Tanzanians should build a culture of hating corruption because it is a sin and causes injustice in the society.
He said all religious leaders must use their platforms to preach against corruption because it is against God’s willing.
He urged the ant-corruption body to make sure that it leaves no stone unturned in the war on corruption saying it denied poor people’s rights.
“The poor people are robbed of their rights, and their economy. There is a need to step up our efforts if the battle has to be won” he said.
Commenting on the participation of religion leaders in the battle, Imam for Ndugumbi Masjid, Ibrahim Kibwana said that religion leaders are the most trusted and influential people in the society which means their involvement can easily scale up the fight against corruption.
