Mutinhiri Eyes VP Post

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By SARAH NCUBE

Published: October 16, 2009

ZIMBABWE – BULAWAYO – Former Zipra Chief of Staff Retired Brigadier-General Ambrose Mutinhiri, has purportedly written to Matabeleland provinces seeking support in the nomination for the post of Vice-President. The Zimbabwe Telegraph reports.

Rtd Brig-Gen Mutinhiri, a former Minister of Youth Development and Employment Creation, becomes the first Zanu-PF member to come out in the open showing interests in occupying the country’s second highest office, which fell vacant after the death of Vice-President Joseph Wilfred Msika in August.

In a letter signed by Rtd Brig-Gen Mutinhiri and sent to Zanu-PF chairpersons in Matabeleland North, South and Bulawayo, the former top soldier requested for support and nomination for the post of Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

“I wish to request for support and nomination for the post of Vice-President of the Republic of Zimbabwe left vacant by the late Vice-President J W Msika. I make this submission as your most humble Member of Parliament and loyal member of Zanu-PF and then Zapu from the days of its formation,” reads the letter.

“I dedicated my life from the age of 16 and whole heartedly made my contribution both in the Second Chimurenga and after independence of Zimbabwe. I trained most cadres who have risen through the ranks to become leaders in their own right. Among others too numerous to mention, these cadres include Retired General Solomon Mujuru, ZNA Commander Lt-Gen Valerio Sibanda, Obert Mpofu and Cain Mathema.

“I hope my request will meet your full support.”

However, he could not be reached for comment as his mobile numbers were said to be no longer in service.

One of the Matabeleland provinces chairman confirmed receiving the letter from Rtd Brig-Gen Mutinhiri.

Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Provinces have already endorsed Zanu-PF chairman John Landa Nkomo as the candidate to fill the VP’s post.

Matabeleland North province has not yet stated its position amid speculation that a senior member from the province is also interested in the position.

Early this week, Zanu-PF National Secretary for Administration Didymus Mutasa gave the three Matabeleland provinces a deadline, which elapsed on Wednesday to nominate a candidate to succeed Msika.

However, Politburo and Central Committee members from the three provinces met in Bulawayo last week and agreed that the party’s 10 provinces must select Msika’s successor.

A Politburo meeting that was set for Wednesday failed to sit and according to Cde Mutasa the party’s supreme decision-making body would be meeting soon to deliberate on the issue.