NASONGELYA KILYINGA, 26th November 2009 @ 00:22, Total Comments: 11, Hits: 611
MORE misery is piling up on the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT), over the controversial decision to endorse a Kenyan for a key post in the world motor sports governing body, FIA.
In a letter by former Chairman of Arusha Motor Sports Club (AMSC) Walter Maeda to the AAT President, Nizar Jivani and copied to the 'Daily News' yesterday, the motor sport clubs in the country want the association's patron, former President of Tanzania, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, to intervene and act as an independent arbitrator in order to resolve the saga before it gets out of hand.
Walter criticised the AAT for their courage to defend the decision to endorse the Kenyan, which he said was "a disgrace to the nation."
However, the AAT President said he could not comment on the allegations because he hadn't received the letter.
"I am surprised that the letter which is addressed to me has been channelled through the media," he said, when contacted for comments.
Jivani said that he will travel to Arusha next week to meet the AMSC members to sort out the issue.
"I have spoken to Maeda and the Arusha Motor Sports Club chairman and we have agreed to meet next week to discuss the issue. I don't think if it's proper to sort out our differences through the media," he said.
Recently, Jivani said in his press statement that the nomination of the AAT candidate, Surinder Thatti - a Kenyan, will help blossom the spirit of East Africa.
In the FIA polls held in the French capital, Paris on October 23, Thatti was chosen to become one of the seven vice- presidents alongside six other officials from Mexico, Monaco, New-Zealand, Italy, Spain and United Arab Emirates.
Thatti was endorsed by AAT to vie for the post, after it was claimed that the Kenya Automobile Association (KAA) was the FIA associate member and was not allowed to back him.
"Indeed a noble vision. It is highly embarrassing to acknowledge that after 56 years of involvement in motorsports, the AAT which governs the sport in Tanzania is still in their 'diapers,' handicapped and dependent on outsiders to represent Tanzania on international arena," said Maeda who is currently the AMSC patron.
He added: "Jivani is insulting the common knowledge of the true facts and findings regarding the status quo of the AAT. The affiliated stakeholders of AAT would have had no objection if Jivani, who has served as the undisputed AAT President for the past 30 years, to have officially represented Tanzania."
Maeda insisted that the AAT decision was taken arbitrarily, without the consensus and consultation of the Tanzanian stakeholders affiliated to the AAT.
"The justified criteria for recommending Thatti should have been approved by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports and all registered motor sport clubs in the country. Surprisingly, not even the National Sports Council (NSC) is aware of what happened," complained Maeda.
The NSC official, Mohamed Kiganja, said yesterday that the council is not aware of the issue but promised to work on it.
The AAT is made up of six motor sporting clubs in Tanzania, two in Dar es Salaam, with the other four in Arusha, Tanga, Morogoro and Iringa regions.
It is reportedly none of these clubs know how Thatti became a representative of AAT.
Total Comments on the above stories (11)
Comment
AAT is a fraud, WAFISADI!!!!
Kick out the entire AAT comittee and bring in new people who can actually manage the motorsport in Tanzania, and not be bribed by kenyans acting as tanzanians.
Tanzania has a long history of motorsport, why could we not send a true tanzanian???? Does not make any sense.
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The faster these matters are reviewed and resolved constitutionally the quicker the healing process effecting motor sports in Tanzania will begin.
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Several articles in the media mentioned that Kenyan Surinder Thatti was accused of offering bribe to his oppenent during the F.I.A elections.How much was paid to the AAT President and his team by Kenyan Surinder Thatti for the Tanzanian Mandate to F.I.A? The TZ government should investigate this case.
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This is scandlelous. How many passports does the AAT president hold? I am now dobting his citizenship.
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The Kenyans dumped and disposed Surinder Thatti. For reasons best known to the AAT President Nizar Jivani who welcomed and endorsed his nomination to F.I.A, selfishly depriving Tanzanians there "right". Will Surinder Thatti ever be loyal to the Tanzanian compatitors in decision making or will his loyalty shift to his country of origin. A man who uses money to influence others can also be bought to influence results if his conditions are met. Sportsman represent their Nations and fight for pride/glory/dignity and recognition and unfortunately their faith remain in the hands of corrupt officials. The downfall of motor sports!
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F.I.A should have investigated the corruption charges against AAT Vice President Surinder Thatti and if found guilty should have been punished accordingly. While the investigation is on-going F.I.A should have removed Surinder Thatti from official duties as the AAT Vice President pending the judgement of this case.
Jack.W. from Uganda should defend his case and take the matter with the Uganda Motor Federation and other motorsport clubs in Africa to reveal the truth and remove the tainted veil covering Surinder Thatti.
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Recent articles in the media regarding the status of AAT has enlightened Tanzanians on the role of AAT in motor sports. How many Annual General Meetings has the AAT officially conducted during the past 30 years? Were the members and the Affiliated clubs informed of the AGM?Does the AAT present its Annual accounts to its memmbers?What was the criteria based to elect the AAT President for the past 30 years? Was the AAT Presidents nomination sent for approval from all the stake holders and affiliated motor sport clubs in Tanzania for the past 30 years? Who has officially apposed the AAT President or contested elections against the present AAT President for the past 30 years.
Facts and Finding to the above questions will unable all Tanzanians who live in a democratic Nation to judge for themselves the role of Automobile Association of Tanzania. Thanks to the MEDIA for un-covering the " Mafiosa" behind AAT.
Comment
Is the AAT President a rally driver or a compatitor in Motor Sports? What is his investment in Motor Sports? The official power of Motosports should remain with the participants/entrants who are the actual investors in Motor Sports and not the office bearers of AAT "WHO SELL AND MARKET TANZANIA IN THE NAME OF MOTOR SPORTS FOR PERSONAL GAINS".
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AAT President is morally bankrupt. He has selfishly over-stayed and defied time as the AAT President. He has not only embarrased our Natioin during the F.I.A Elections but is also guilty of violating all AAT costitutional legalities to remain in power. Should be booted out ASAP before the virus spreads. Tanzania needs inspiring leaders and not
" JIGGERS" who are not easy to remove once they have settled.
Comment
This is just a shame, AAT should have apologised instead of defending their actions. So how do we as Tanzanians REMEDY the situation? Coz i can see exchanging comments here takes our concerns no where....
Comment
Exchanging comments here does give us the knowledge of what is required to do and the first step to getting things done is knowing the facts and knowing what is required to do. it must be ofcourse from exchanges of this comments where Mr. Maeda got the courage to address the issue to National Sports Council. It is very important for us to support Mr. Maeda's quest forthe truth and proper governance of AAT.
Mr. Nizar Jivani It's time that the organisation of which you are the president which bears the name of our nation to be overhauled as it is clear that AAT is not beneficial to Tanzanians under your leadership but only to you and to kenyan Surinder Thatti whom once again You Assisted with our National resouces into making his private East African Safari Rally. how much more of Tanzania are you going to give away in the pretex of good neighbourliness? You fail to Adress local issues (such as local motor sports club)how can you talk about regional unity? you are a desgrace to our nation. <<<>>>
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