President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria recently threw his support behind the direct election of members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament while emphasising the importance of the subregional organisation speaking with one voice to cement the region’s unity and prosperity….CONTINUE READING
ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes
Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have always been selected from member states’ elected parliamentarian, a system that has sparked endless debate about whether they should instead emerge through specific direct elections in various parts of the region.
Speaking at the inauguration of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Thursday, Nigeria’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government emphasised the importance of leaders in the Economic Community of West African States speaking with one voice for regional unity and prosperity.
He stated: “Honourable Members, as we begin the sixth legislature, it is clear that we are confronted with significant challenges in our region that necessitate our collaborative efforts.
“Recent political developments have a significant impact on each of our member states. The broader international context, including security, market access, and climate change, presents significant challenges.
“Three Member States considering withdrawal from the community pose a challenge to us.
“We must maintain the unity and integrity of our organisation. The ball is in both your and my court.
“At this critical juncture, regional solidarity is critical to strengthening our resilience and effectiveness as a bloc, especially against forces that seek to divide us.
“We must not tolerate this. We can not afford to be passive spectators while our community is on the verge of disintegration. We stand united against such forces and are determined to keep our unity unshaken.
“We must strengthen our cooperation to foster a sense of shared destiny and purpose. No one can do this for us; we must do it ourselves. Please. I take that seriously.
“In your legislative considerations and interactions, it is critical that you recognise that we must build our region’s economic prosperity on our own.
“Forget what has happened to us in the past; we have matured and reached an age where we can use our intellectual curiosity to develop our region.
To this end, reinforcing the legitimacy of decisions made by Heads of State is critical in conveying the message that ECOWAS is a unified body.
“It is also critical that the executives, on the other hand, demonstrate similar confidence in Parliament and respect its resolutions, which will strengthen democracy in our region.
“Meanwhile, in the face of ongoing challenges, our collaboration can serve as a catalyst for regional stability, growth, and prosperity.
“As I mentioned earlier, it is upon us. It is upon us. It is our responsibility to speak with one voice and elevate the African Union from ECOWAS to the forefront of economic reform and foreign policy achievement.”
Tinubu expressed his support for the direct election of members of the regional Parliament, stating that the process will help to realise Vision 2050, which will ensure public participation in regional decision-making.
He stated, “I am aware that the ECOWAS parliament is seeking increased powers, primarily through direct universal suffrage elections for its members.”
“This will increase the role and responsibilities of parliamentarians in advancing our regional development goals, particularly in terms of harmonising laws and regulations across member states.
“Indeed, the practice of directly electing public officers is consistent with the democratic principles that Nigerians support, as it strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
“This principle is also consistent with the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As a former legislator, I am looking forward to reviewing the proposal on this matter.
“We stand in support of the election to the ECOWAS Parliament.
“We believe this will ensure that citizens have a direct say in their representation, as well as the legitimacy and credibility that will result.I appreciate your careful consideration of this matter.
The president also promised that Nigeria would continue to support the regional body. “I want to assure you that Nigeria, as the host of this very important community’s institutions, will continue to help you achieve your goals.”
Tinubu also stated, “I am aware of the plan to consolidate all ECOWAS institutions in one complex and all of the good progress that has been made. Nigeria is also working to meet its responsibility to build the ECOWAS Parliament headquarters in Abuja at the same complex.
” I would like to emphasise that as you conduct the business of six legislatures, I hope that your discussions will provide me with the opportunity to address the region’s primary concerns and develop resolutions that will lead to peace and progress for all.
“You can be confident that Nigeria is always ready to assist the ECOWAS. If we support and fight for democracy, the parliament will become more effective.
The inaugural session of the Sixth Legislature of the Parliament, which formally marks the start of legislative business, is being convened by Article 28 of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament of 2016, following the conclusion of the Fifth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on March 8, 2024.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, has raised concerns about the regional body’s disintegration, which he says will have an impact on all aspects of community life. He also noted the regional body’s $321 million investment in the three want-away countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio , uncommon Senate president urged members of the regional parliament to work together.
He stated, “Let us use ECOWAS to ensure that national borders are not Berlin walls separating family members, but bridges of unity and progress.”
“The road ahead presents new challenges and opportunities. Our task is to build on the foundation laid by our forefathers and chart a course for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future. We must work to strengthen regional integration, increase trade and investment, and promote the free movement of goods, services, and people throughout our Community.
“Together, we can use the power of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue to overcome the challenges we face. Let us remember that our community’s strength lies in its diversity, and that only through unity and solidarity can we overcome adversity and achieve our common goals.
“It is concerning that, despite our region’s abundant natural resources and deep human capital, we have not reached the heights that our founding fathers envisioned.
“I believe the time has come in ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Parliament for us to play the role of Ghede and expose each country’s devil. This way, we will drive out the devils of tribalism, corruption, nepotism, and despotism from our region.
“Your participation and engagement are critical as we navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that await. I am confident that together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous, and more united West Africa.”
Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the ECOWAS Parliament’s role in promoting regional unity.
He also urged members of the regional parliament to ensure that their positions on key issues are consistent with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority.
He stated, “In light of the various challenges confronting our region, such as peace, stability, security, and regional unity, the role of Parliament is more important than ever.
“A balance between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches is essential for effective, responsive, and transparent governance. This was recently demonstrated by Senegal’s judiciary, which played a critical role in ensuring that national elections were not delayed. ECOWAS is no different. Let us remember that democracy is a process, not an event. The Parliament, as well as other Community Institutions, play critical roles in promoting democratic values and regional stability.
” It is therefore imperative that the Parliament continues to collaborate with the ECOWAS Commission and other institutions that serve as our organization’s executive and judicial arms. Collaboration among the Commission, Court, and Parliament is critical to ensuring the successful implementation of policies and programmes that benefit our citizens. I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other organisations and to align your efforts with the broader goals of ECOWAS.
“Furthermore, I urge new members of Parliament to ensure that their positions on key issues are consistent with the decisions of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Consistency in our collective stance will strengthen our voice on the global stage and prevent any perception of disunity within our organisation.”
The outgoing Speaker of the Fifth Parliament, Mohamed Tunis, urged the members of the Sixth Parliament to pursue direct election of members.
He stated, “While it is customary for each legislature to set its own agenda, I strongly urge you to keep the campaign for direct universal suffrage to elect Members to the ECOWAS Parliament at the top of your agenda. The 5th Legislature raised a lot of awareness about this issue, and I can only hope that
The 6th Legislature will strengthen the fight for direct election, which is necessary for representative governance.”
