By Engel Nawatiseb
TSUMEB

THE Swapo Regional Councillor for the Tsumeb Constituency and National Council MP, Nico Kaiyamo, has handed in his letter of resignation dated, October 29, 2003, to the Oshikoto Regional Council and the National Council.
Kaiyamo declined to reveal why he is leaving active politics but noted that he would provide the reasons for his drastic action after formally communicating with Oshikoto Regional Governor, Vilho Kamanya, and the Chairman of the National Council, Kandy Nehova.
Kaiyamo noted that his resignation letter had been submitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 (2) of the Regional Council's Act of 1992, adding that his resignation would be effective from December 31.
The chief executive officer of the Oshikoto Regional Council, Sophia Angula-Mupopiwa, told New Era that Kaiyamo's letter of resignation had been added as an agenda item to the Council's session for next Friday.
Although Kaiyamo's resignation will vacate the seats at both Councils, the Regional Council can immediately nominate a member directly to the National Council, whereas a by-election is expected to be held in the Tsumeb Constituency within three months to fill the void in the Regional Council.
Local observers suggest that unbearable political pressure by "power hungry members of the ruling party" might have prompted Kaiyamo to opt for a voluntary exit from politics.
"It is a pity that Swapo stands to lose an experienced politician like Kaiyamo who has made significant strides in his political career. Our regions certainly do not boast of many such leaders with focussed agendas, who have shown political maturity at a young age," noted one observer who preferred anonymity.
Kaiyamo, who is also the chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security, pointed out that the success of his political career can be measured against his resolve to serve the electorate, which required undivided commitment and dedication.
Asked how he would react if party stalwarts convince him to retract his resignation, Kaiyamo responded: "I will cross that bridge when I get there, but for now, I have come to the conclusion not to make politics my full-time career. You will understand my argument better once I reveal the reasons for my exit in due course."
Added the MP: "People are entitled to their observations; whatever positive or negative judgement they would like to make about my political career, they are welcome - that's the name of the game of politics. I am prepared to live with people's judgements."
Kaiyamo further denied reports which previously associated him with the Congress of Democrats, stating that he would remain a member of Swapo Party which he joined in 1977 while he was enrolled at Augustineum Senior Secondary School.
"Of course, various elements would like to score and gain political advantage by attempting to discredit others, but some of us have known Swapo arty from childhood. There is no truth in that allegation, it does not even qualify to be regarded as a rumour. We know the factory where those lies are being manufactured and if not halted in time they could cause pain and hatred amongst loyal party cadres," lamented Kaiyamo.
The Swapo Party district co-ordinator for the Oshikoto Region, Dankie Shetekela, noted that no formal correspondence about Kaiyamo's decision to resign as Councillor and National Council MP had reached him, but stressed that the Councillor is still being regarded as the representative of the party in the two houses until such time that his request has been addressed.