Garikai Fadzi
HARARE – The National Patriotic Front could be headed for a split following conflicting statements given by opposing factions over who the leader of the recently formed party is.
Chairperson Eunice Sandi Moyo early this afternoon dismissed interim leader, Retired Brigadier Ambrose Mutinhiri from the party citing incompetence and announced herself as the replacement.
Sandi-Moyo claimed Mutinhiri was against the political outfit’s manoeuvres to join the Alliance led by MDC-T leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
“We feel so disappointed that we have to recall Cde Mutinhiri because there is no platform we can sit and talk with him to show him how wrong he was. If he is going to travel with thugs who manhandle some of us, it becomes difficult to talk with him,” she said.
She accused Mutinhiri of conspiring with former Zanu PF National Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere to cause divisions in the party.
The former ZANU PF Women’s league boss claimed the plot was part of Kasukuwere’s deal with Zanu PF for his safe return from self-imposed exile.
“Some of us have sympathies towards Mutinhiri. He is a ZIPRA former combatant. A commander for that matter.”
She claimed that they have been consulting former President Robert Mugabe with party spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire making some startling revelations that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is desperate to meet Mugabe.
“Mnangagwa also wants to see him. He has sent envoys,” he said.
But, Mutinhiri just after lunch-time, flanked by Jim Kunaka, claimed that Sandi Moyo, spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire and Jeppy Jaboon were scared of the party’s national convention tomorrow.
“The National Consultative meeting tomorrow will confirm the national executive of the NPF including the issue of alliances.”
“There are people who have gone out of their way to chant other parties’ slogans. They did so on their own. They were not sent by the NPF. We cannot join an alliance without consulting the people,” said the former ZIPRA commander.
Kunaka chipped in accusing former First Lady Grace Mugabe of fanning divisions in the party.
“We cannot sacrifice our future by bringing back Grace to lead the NPF,” he said.
The NPF joined hands with the MDC-Alliance for a march in Harare’s CBD on Tuesday, demanding the release of the voters’ roll and media reforms.
The National Patriotic Front is mainly comprised of members expelled from Zanu PF after the completion of Operation Restore Legacy late last year.
