'I have never considered Mugabe as my hero'

Former deputy Justice minister and MDC-T Harare spokesperson Obert Gutu says President Robert Mugabe has never inspired him in any way adding that his ultimate hero is late veteran nationalist Joshua Nkomo.

"I have never considered this man to be my hero and role model; so you are, perhaps, not entirely wrong if you conclude that my comments about him are rather too harsh," Gutu said in apparent reference to Mugabe.

"But I would hasten to add that my comments about this man have never been unsavoury and impolite.

"I have always endeavoured to be fair and balanced whenever I write something about this man. Granted, he has never inspired me but nevertheless, I have always avoided the temptation to go ballastic and ruthless whenever I have to write something about him."

"My ultimate political hero in Zimbabwe, without question, has always been, and indeed, remains, Joshua Nkomo. I am absolutely convinced that he was a true and honest nationalist, a revolutionary par excellence. It is a very big pity that he never got the opportunity to run this country. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace."

Gutu said the country was in a desperate situation under Mugabe's rule.

"What makes it even more sad is the apparent debilitating deficit of patriotic leadership. We are caught in a catch 22 situation. Things are falling apart. The centre can no longer hold. Surely, at that advanced age and in that state of distinctly failing health, you would be expecting too much if you expect the old man to be able to turn around the country's fortunes," Gutu said.

"This is the time for all patriots to take their position and to do whatever is lawful and constitutional to ensure that we have regime change sooner rather than later. Doing anything less, would be a gross betrayal of the wishes and aspirations of the toiling masses of Zimbabwe."