Rostam Aziz's sudden quit in politics shock Lowassa

THE former prime minister Mr. Edward Lowassa yesterday (14th July, 2011) expressed his 'shock' at the decision of his close friend and political ally Rostam Aziz to quit politics.

“I knew about his intention to resign from the (CCM) NEC, but I didn’t know that he was also going to step down from his parliamentary seat,” the Monduli MP told journalists at parliament grounds.Mr Lowassa said he was also dismayed to see on television women weeping after Mr Aziz announced on Monday that he was resigning as Igunga MP and NEC member.
Mr Lowassa, who resigned as Prime Minister in 2008 after two years in the post in the wake of the Richmond scandal, commented on Mr Aziz’s exit from politics as top CCM officials remained tight-lipped yesterday.

Asked if he was ready to follow suit following widespread reports that he is among three prominent members asked to quit the party over corruption allegations, Mr Lowassa said: “I will speak about my future with Chama Cha Mapinduzi when the time is right.  “You have to be patient… you will know my position when the time is right.

Bariadi West MP Andrew Chenge, the third CCM member reportedly targeted for expulsion, could not be reached for comment, and there were reports that he was out of the country.

Announcing his resignation from politics in Igunga, Mr Aziz said he was stepping down from all posts in CCM to concentrate on his businesses and blamed his decision on “gutter politics” within the ruling party.