Masire hits back at critics

Former President Sir Ketumile Masire this week wiggled out of his cocoon from the comfort of his Government House in Extension 11 in Gaborone to defend his integrity against a series of attacks that he feels are calculated to belittle him.

Masire vehemently refused to name his critics who have been taking pot shots at him through the media. But by insinuation it is believed that his statement is directed at the incumbent Vice President and Member of Parliament for Moshupa Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, who was recently quoted on at least two occasions making statements in reference to Masire.

Masire told The Midweek Sun in an exclusive interview, “I have served this country for not less than 66 years from 1950 to date. I started as a teacher and ended as the president of this country. Ordinarily should I not deserve a modicum of respect?”

Masire is surprised that his name has allegedly been mentioned in a “derogatory manner” in two press conferences. In the first press conference, “I was paraded as an ignoramus who is not techno savvy,” he said. “You wonder why this time I became a subject of ridicule.”

At the second press conference “I once again became a subject of ridicule. This time it is alleged that I said that I cannot resign from Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and or Domkrag because it could not be imagined that at the age of 90 years old, I would want to leave the government house III where I currently live, as it is by the merciful dispensation of Domkrag or those currently running it that I live there whereas it is the right of any other person who has served in the high office of the President of this country, whether he belongs to the ruling party or not, irrespective of which party is in power. This is undisputable.

“Anybody who is literate knows that fully well. That I live in a government house and this should therefore be common knowledge as that derives from an Act of Parliament. Better still, it should be remembered that after leaving the high office, I comfortably lived in my house in Kanye, my home village for four years. There would be absolutely no problem if I were to go back to my humble abode in Kanye for any good reason”, he said.

“After all, while in office and arranging to retire, I made absolutely no package to take care of myself as a former president. A package was arranged by the administration and Parliament sometime after my departure. It is further alleged that I speak ill of government when I am outside the country. I would like evidence to be produced to support that allegation,” said the country’s second president.