Religious bodies assets assured

PRESIDENT John Magufuli yesterday promised to offer legal support to Muslim and Christian institutions countrywide to recover their properties fraudulently hired or sold off to investors.

President Magufuli said he was aware of many complaints from Muslim institutions over their properties, particularly lands being grabbed by investors through deceptive contracts entered with their clerics.

“I know this problem has become rampant as the Mufti (Chief Sheikh) has shared with me in the past. I promise to offer experienced legal experts from my government to recover the properties,” he promised.

Dr Magufuli was speaking during the Idd-el-Fitr Baraza held at national level in Dar es Salaam as part of celebrations to mark Idd. He cautioned Muslim and Christian leaders against entering into dubious contracts with investors since such agreements could amount to losing the rights of such communities.

He advised the National Muslim Council, Bakwata, to ensure that it makes a follow up on areas where there were conflicts between investors and the Muslim communities for the sake of peace in the country.

“Assets belonging to Muslims or Christians should be taken back to the ownership of Muslims or Christians to ensure peace,” he said. Meanwhile, President Magufuli has appealed for peace and unity among the people regardless of their religious and political differences.

He said he was pleased by the new spirit shown by the present Mufti, Sheikh Abubakar Zuberi, who he observed desires to unite all Muslims in the country. He praised Mufti Zuberi for his generosity while keeping a low profile when serving the people regardless of his position