Expelled Zanu PF Mashonaland Central Youth Chairperson, Godfrey Tsenengamu has called on President Robert Mugabe to step down and pave way for Emmerson Mnangagwa to take over.
Addressing a press conference in Harare on Monday, the outspoken former Zanu PF member said Mugabe had overstayed his welcome adding that the nonagenarian had outstretched the electorate’s patience despite his promise to relinquish power in 2014.
“We were made to believe the president is intelligent, that he is wise, so we thought he was going to do the right thing by relinquishing power.
“He is now abusing our political hospitality and he now thinks we are cowards. We are not. We have been tolerating him for the past 36 years but it’s enough. People will say why did you not tell him before you were expelled from the party, but it’s un-African to chase away a visitor. We treated him like a visitor who would at some point leave, but he is abusing us
“It pains me to see a man of stature doing something like this to his legacy. I supported this man since the time I became a member of this party, I have always voted for him even when I was the chairman of the youth wing,” said Tsenengamu.
He said Mugabe has been too blind to see that even those close to him want him gone while adding that during the late 90s, the Zanu PF first secretary survived a coup from his former allies Dzikamai Mavhaire and the late Edison Zvobgo but he has ignored all that by continuously holding on to power and making millions suffer at his mess.
Tsenengamu added that Mugabe’s claims that he is loved by the people and was elected at congress hold no water as the very same people want him to step down.
“My message to the President is that we are simply using your words against you, as the same people you so claim to love you, are the same people who are waiting for you to relinquish power in the hands of an able successor. I’m one of the people who want you to step down and appoint someone who can take the country forward. You have done your part and we appreciate what you have done.
“You had you moments where you messed up and you also had your brighter ones, but the time is nigh for you to leave and let us be led by someone who can take the country forward and work for the good of the people ,” said Tsenengamu.
Turning to the succession issue, Tsenengamu who is believed to be an ally of Mnangagwa said Mugabe’s claims that none among his lieutenants can succeed him were wrong.
“Vice President Mnangagwa is a senior member in the government and party. He is a rightful candidate for the presidency. He is a man who can unite Zanu PF, someone who can guarantee and secure the welfare of the first family in the post Mugabe era.
“He is a man who can make business bloom, his business acumen is top notch, he talks sense on the ease of doing business, he is an astute leader who is grounded and has connections which can make Zimbabwe an economic powerhouse,” Tsenengamu said while adding that he holds great admiration to the Lacoste brand to whose name the Vice President is alleged to be leading a faction fighting to succeed Mugabe.
However, in his birthday message, President Mugabe said he has no intentions of relinquishing power anytime soon as he awaits a cue from his supporters and the cabinet to tell him to step down.
