Chief Justice Othman and the Silverdale Farm case.

Chief Justice Othman

In the below article, the author states that corruption is the biggest challenge facing the new Chief Justice of Tanzania but states that 'it is not corruption in the judiciary for it would be unfair to question the integrity of the lawyers'. How on earth he comes to this conclusion is unknown when it is clear that the Tanzanian judiciary is one of, it not the most, corrupt institution in Tanzania.

The Tanzanian judiciary supports and perpetuates corruption in Tanzania and does so unchallenged under ridiculous cries that Tanzanian engages in principles of good governance and therefore cannot interfere with the judiciary. Those that wish to, engage in corruption with immunity. This is supported by The Heritage Foundation’s 2010 Index of Economic Freedom Report which found Tanzania’s Judiciary to be ‘… underdeveloped and vulnerable to the political whims of the executive’ casting doubt on the integrity of President Kikwete’s assurance to the contrary. It cannot be disputed that Tanzania’s judiciary is one of the most corrupt institutions in Tanzania and non-interference in that corruption by the State perpetuates that corruption and enforces the status quo. The State says the right things, the State gets the aid. Thus the whole concept of corruption and aid is reduced to a game. The new Chief Justice may come to office with 'a bagful of experience' but that will be of little use to him if he chooses not to play by the rules.

As a human rights proponent by virtue of his position as adviser to the UN on the subject, will obviously ensure that violators of fundamental rights are brought to book. Let us see how the new Chief Justice deals with corruption and the violation of rights when he is asked to address the Silverdale Farm case. When he is asked to address the criminal conduct of Benjamin Mengi and, when he is asked to address the conduct of his president who has failed to fulfil his promises to the British government to apply the rule of law to this case. What will he do one wonders? Address the abuses of law and bring to book those responsible or, do as his predecessor and do nothing?

Time will tell!!!