Gono issue not a closed chapter says Zanu PF

IN a twist of events, Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo dismissed claims by the party's secretary for legal affairs, Emmerson Mnangagwa that former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Gideon Gono's Senate bid had collapsed.

On Wednesday the Zanu PF politburo meeting accepted the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's ruling on Gono saying the law could not be bended to suit individual interests.

But Gumbo who is perceived to be pushing for Gono's senatorial bid in a corner yesterday charged that the Gono issue was not a closed chapter as the politburo's Wednesday meeting had not finalised it.

He said the politburo directed the party's legal team headed by Mnangagwa to look into avenues that could possibly lead to Gono's nomination.

But the Mnangagwa faction believed to be a rival faction battling with the Mujuru camp to take over from Mugabe, said the Gono issue had been finalised and the party agreed to respect Zec chairperson Justice Rita Makarau's verdict.

"There is no issue. Zec has made its decision and we as the party are not contesting that decision," Mnangagwa told the media after the politburo meeting.

But Gumbo sang a different song saying his version was official and reflected Mnangagwa's position on the matter.

Yesterday the State-controlled Herald accused Gumbo of misrepresenting President Mugabe but Gumbo insists his position is official.

Contradicting statements between the two Zanu PF big wigs confirms the growing factional fights within the party which has reached boiling point.