Angula ‘prays to God’ that unity will prevail in Swapo

PRESIDENTIAL hopeful Nahas Angula says he prays to God that the top Swapo leadership will remain united despite political differences.

Reacting to news earlier this week about the dismissal of Hidipo Hamutenya, fellow Swapo leader and opponent in the race to succeed President Sam Nujoma, Angula said he had first thought it was a joke before he received the “shocking” confirmation. “I pray to God that we will work together for the sake of our grandchildren although there are some political differences,” Angula said when approached for comment after addressing an Africa Day rally on Tuesday.President Nujoma informed “the public and nation at large” that he had “relieved Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya and his deputy, Kaire Mbuende, from their duties” with immediate affect.No reasons were given in the statement.”I never expected that.I don’t have a clue what might have led to the appointing authority’s decision.But he has the right to do so,” said Angula.The other person in the race is Nujoma’s preferred candidate Hifikepunye Pohamba, who doubles as Swapo Vice President and Lands Minister.Angula said ministers served at the pleasure of the appointing authority and should leave office when so instructed.”Ministers are not there to serve for life.However, I am a bit worried by the fact that we have shared the struggles, the trials and the problems.We should hold each others hands to establish a new republic,” he said.As soon as the news of Hamutenya’s dismissal broke, rumours started circulating that Angula would withdraw from the race to pave the way for Pohamba to be chosen unopposed.The Higher Education Minister remained adamant that he would not withdraw.”I do not feel good about the speculation going around that I will withdraw.I will not withdraw because I was nominated by the people,” he said.Angula’s rally was mainly attended by young people and he concentrated on talking about the need for innovativeness and more brainpower in Africa.”I pray to God that we will work together for the sake of our grandchildren although there are some political differences,” Angula said when approached for comment after addressing an Africa Day rally on Tuesday.President Nujoma informed “the public and nation at large” that he had “relieved Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya and his deputy, Kaire Mbuende, from their duties” with immediate affect.No reasons were given in the statement.”I never expected that.I don’t have a clue what might have led to the appointing authority’s decision.But he has the right to do so,” said Angula.The other person in the race is Nujoma’s preferred candidate Hifikepunye Pohamba, who doubles as Swapo Vice President and Lands Minister.Angula said ministers served at the pleasure of the appointing authority and should leave office when so instructed.”Ministers are not there to serve for life.However, I am a bit worried by the fact that we have shared the struggles, the trials and the problems.We should hold each others hands to establish a new republic,” he said.As soon as the news of Hamutenya’s dismissal broke, rumours started circulating that Angula would withdraw from the race to pave the way for Pohamba to be chosen unopposed.The Higher Education Minister remained adamant that he would not withdraw.”I do not feel good about the speculation going around that I will withdraw.I will not withdraw because I was nominated by the people,” he said.Angula’s rally was mainly attended by young people and he concentrated on talking about the need for innovativeness and more brainpower in Africa.