Mugabe's 'obedient son' Mpofu denounces factionalism, says Mat North is 'clean'

MATABELELAND North provincial political head and politburo member, Obert Mpofu on Saturday said his province was the only one which had been absolved in the factionalism scandals which were condemned by First Lady Grace Mugabe during her cross country tours recently.

During her Meet the People Tours Mugabe attacked provincial factions' heads especially those linked to her fierce rival Vice President Joice Mujuru. Mpofu is perceived to be aligned to a faction led by Zanu PF strongman Emmerson Mnangagwa although he has tried to play safe card about the links. And he attended all the First Lady's meetings.

But speaking at a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Lupane to outline the duties and responsibilities of the provincial congress coordination committee and appointment of subcommittee members Mpofu cleared his name and province from the party's dirty succession wrangles saying "we do not support factionalism."

"In issues of factionalism we were absolved. In Matabeleland North we always say we are not involved in factionalism. We were mentioned by name that we are the only ones free from factionalism," Mpofu was quoted as saying by a State run daily.

He said some people were given money to disturb the province and the leadership had the names of individuals that were sent but the people refused to join factions.

"Even the President knows. I saw the names, both the youth and elders were given money," said Mpofu

In a charm offensive that observers say is a ploy to clear his name ahead of the party's congress, Mpofu said Matabeleland North was behind the leadership of President Mugabe and the province was the first to endorse the decision to elevate the First Lady to head the Women's League when some were undecided.

"I'm happy with what was said by (Matabeleland North war veterans chairman Jonathan) Nkanyezi when he said yesterday (Friday), he had nothing to do with things said by Jabulani and that what Jabulani said was his personal view and not that of the war veterans. The war veterans are behind the First Lady," said Mpofu.

"Let's not be swayed by things we don't know. We might fight among ourselves but let's not get into factions. Let us follow the path of the party."

Dr Mpofu said the province has always stood by the party and follow laid down guidelines.

"Let's not follow things without guidelines. People were used to mischief. People would approach me sitting with my children and say support me. We grew up in the party but there are 'helicopters' that want to sit on our heads," he said.

"If you go asking for positions from people you have a problem. It should come to you. Let us not take part in that because we will be caught in crossfire. In Matabeleland North, there is no factionalism. No one (from the province) has ever approached me and said they wanted a position.

"There are some here who have attended many meetings, I know in Bulawayo and we have their names, promising people that you have given them the Vice Presidency. Meetings held at lodges and hotels. If you are called to a hotel, go and eat then wipe your mouth and leave," he added.