Jiyane, elected into council on an MDC-T ticket in 2008, defected from the party over the weekend citing too much interference in his duties and persecution by party officials. Jiyane is now running the town as an independent and is believed to have the backing of Local government minister Ignatious Chombo.
But his fellow councillors have blasted him for being dishonest and economic with the truth after flouting party rules and going against council resolutions. The MDC-T won all the nine wards during the 2008 harmonised elections.
Councillor Bernard Nyamambi of ward 1 in the town accused Jiyana of deception and of working to divide the MDC-T. Nyamambi said the Mayor did not have the party at heart but pretended to be with us since we elected him to his position two years ago.
For him to come out now and say hes defecting from the party because of too much interference is treacherous behaviour, which we in the MDC-T condemn unreservedly, Nyamambi said.
He added: He (Jiyane) needs to look at himself in the mirror and ask if hes telling people the truth. I dont think by asking him repeatedly to implement programs that were agreed to by a full council is by any means interfering with ones work.
Jiyane could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Post published in: News