….task members to promote regional integration
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s President and Chairman of Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, calling on member to intensify efforts to promote regional integration by strengthening ties, and reject forces bent on causing division within the community.
The inauguration of the 6th legislature was performed by President Tinubu in accordance with the Parliament Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of Powers of the regional legislature on Thursday in Abuja.
In his inaugural speech, President Tinubu said regional solidarity is imperative to strengthen the bloc’s resilience and effectiveness at this critical juncture.
He emphasized that member states can not afford to remain passive spectators while the community faces the threat of disintegration.
He said: “We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaken. We must ensure that cooperation amongst us is strengthened, with a view to building a sense of common destiny and purpose. No one can do this for us. We must come together.
“To this extent, reinforcing the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State is key in sending a message that ECOWAS is one indivisible body. It is also very important that the executives, on the other hand, show similar confidence in the Parliament, which would indeed deepen democracy in our region. Meanwhile, in the midst of ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth, and prosperity in our region”.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the community and, by extension, the fundamental objectives upon which the ECOWAS Parliament was established.
Affirming the important role of the ECOWAS Parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, President Tinubu said success cannot be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative agency.
“Furthermore, to realize the ECOWAS ‘Vision 2050’, we require greater involvement of the people in the decision-making processes of the community. That can only be achieved through their duly-elected representatives who, being members of their national parliaments, are seconded to the community parliament. We are here, collectively, to serve all the good and great people of West Africa.
“I am aware that the ECOWAS Parliament is seeking enhanced powers, primarily through the election of its members by direct universal suffrage. This will increase the role parliamentarians must play and the responsibilities that they will assume in advancing our regional development objectives, particularly in harmonizing laws and regulations across the member states.
“Indeed, the practice of directly electing public officials aligns with the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds, as it enhances the legitimacy of our democratic institutions. This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing a proposal regarding this matter, and we stand ready to support direct elections into the ECOWAS Parliament. We believe this would ensure that citizens have a direct say in their representation – in addition to the legitimacy and credibility such a process will confer,” the President said.
President Tinubu also stated that Nigeria, as the host of the community’s institution, will continue to support the Parliament to achieve its objectives.
“I am aware of the plan to have all ECOWAS institutions in one complex and of the good progress that has been made. Nigeria is also working to meet its responsibilities in constructing the ECOWAS Parliament’s Headquarters in Abuja within the same complex.
“I would like to emphasize that, as you conduct the business of the 6th Legislature, it is my hope that your discussions will provide you the opportunity to address the prime concerns of the region and come up with resolutions that will lead to the attainment of peace and the advancement of all. You can stand assured that Nigeria is always ready to support the ECOWAS Parliament, in whatever endeavours you are engaged, to move the ECOWAS mission forward,” the President stated.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray in his remarks, decried the pulling out of the Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that in January the trio announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, following disagreements with the regional body over military coups in the three countries.
Touray lamented the consequences of the decision of the three countries to quit the bloc on their citizens, especially on ECOWAS institutions and advised them to reconsider their decision. Even as he called for strengthening of democracy in the region not only through periodic elections but by accountability.
Outgoing Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mohammed Tunis, thanked the regional body for the opportunity given him to serve for four years even as he reaffirmed commitment to the regional body.
Tunis was appointed ceremonial speaker, following the gap that exists because Togo, the country to which the Speakership was zoned, was not able to produce the Speaker due to some political situation in the country.
He announced his intention to travel to Togo to see how best to get a Speaker, saying “I will proceed to Togo to have a conversion with the authorities there with a view to encouraging them to have their delegation inaugurated as soon as possible so that we can have a Speaker to run this institution. It is very, very important. There are so many things to do in the sub-region, and the ECOWAS Parliament has a very big role to play in the sub-region but they will not be able to do so without the Speaker.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in his address, noted that in the face of the various challenges confronting the region, including peace, stability, security, as well as the unity of the region, the role of the Parliament is more important than ever.
The Minister, who is also the chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, commended the outgoing 5th Legislature, especially its Speaker Mohamed Tunis, for their invaluable contributions to the ECOWAS Parliament and the Organization as a whole.
He said “it is, therefore, imperative that the Parliament continues to work in synergy with the ECOWAS Commission and other Institutions that serve as the executive and judicial arms of our organization.
“Collaboration between the Commission, Court and Parliament is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programs that benefit our citizens. I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other bodies and to align your efforts with the broader objectives of ECOWAS”, he said.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the inaugural Session of the Parliament which formally marks the commencement of the business of the 6th legislature, is in pursuant to Article 28 of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament of 2016, following the end of the Fifth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on March 8, 2024.
The ECOWAS Parliament elects a new legislature every four years.
