Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi on Tuesday led thousands of Zanzibaris to bid farewell to the late John Magufuli whom he described as a precious gift from God.
The mourning Isles leader pledged utmost support to the newly-installed Union President, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan to implement all the visions, programmes and strategies of the departed hero in developing the country socially and economically.
"She has the capacity to accomplish her presidential tasks; I promise all kinds of support she will need," Dr. Mwinyi said of the new Union President at the packed Amani Stadium.
Dr. Mwinyi mourned his former boss, further describing him as God-fearing, lovely and charming: "Dr. Magufuli had deep rooted love for all Tanzanians; he was a man of good characters - he discriminated against nobody on religious, tribal or gender grounds."
He said the late Magufuli stood firm for the plight of the weak and waged fierce fights against corruption, laziness in public offices, unaccountability and embezzlement of public resources.
"We will remember him for many good things that he did for Tanzanians," President Mwinyi said, glaring at the casket carrying the body of the 'true African revolutionist of the current generation.'
Dr. Mwinyi implored the islanders to overcome their grief and depression, notwithstanding the great loss that the country has suffered.
"Our grief and mopes are understandable...we have lost the skillful revolutionist in our generation - leaders of his calibre remain rare," he said.
He appreciated Zanzibaris from Unguja and Pemba for their huge turnout, a clear indication that Tanzanians remain united and lovely.
Dr. Mwinyi asked Wananchi to use this mourning period to cement national unity as the best way to honour Dr. Magufuli who firmly defended the Union and the 1964 Zanzibar revolutions.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, welcoming Dr. Mwinyi to address the grief stricken audience, described the untimely death of Dr. Magufuli as a big loss to the Nation but pleaded with all Tanzanians to remain calm during this trying moment that the country is passing through.
He assured that under President Samia, the country remains in safe hands and all Tanzanians have to do is to accord her cordial cooperation to move forward.
Earlier, Zanzibar-based religious leaders - Roman Catholic Bishop Augustine, Anglican Bishop Michael Hafidhi and Deputy Chief Kadhi Hassan Ngwali - prayed for the body of the late Magufuli at the stadium prior to the paying of last respects.
Besides Dr. Mwinyi, at the stadium were First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman, Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, Secretary to Revolutionary Council and Chief Secretary Engineer Zena Ahmed Said and almost all cabinet members.