President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for the direct election of members into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, while underscoring the imperative for member states to present a unified front to solidify regional unity and prosperity.
Traditionally, members of the ECOWAS Parliament have been selected from elected parliamentarians of member states, prompting persistent calls for their direct election across the region.
Addressing attendees at the inauguration of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, President Tinubu, who serves as Nigeria’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, urged leaders within the Economic Community of West African States to align their voices in pursuit of regional cohesion and advancement.
He remarked, “As we inaugurate the sixth legislature, it becomes evident that we are confronted with profound challenges in our region that necessitate our collective endeavors.”
Recent political developments and broader international circumstances such as security, market access, and climate change pose significant challenges, with three member states considering withdrawal from the community, posing a threat to regional unity.
“At this critical juncture, regional solidarity is imperative to bolster our resilience and efficacy as a bloc, particularly against divisive forces,” Tinubu emphasized.
He urged a strengthened sense of common destiny and purpose among member states, stressing the necessity for cooperative efforts to foster economic prosperity within the region.
Furthermore, Tinubu voiced his support for the direct election of ECOWAS Parliament members, citing its alignment with democratic principles and the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.
Acknowledging the Parliament’s pursuit of enhanced powers through direct universal suffrage, Tinubu underscored its potential to bolster regional development objectives by harmonizing laws and regulations across member states.
In reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the regional body, Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts, including plans for a unified complex housing all ECOWAS institutions and the construction of the ECOWAS Parliament headquarters in Abuja.
In conclusion, Tinubu emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and collective action in addressing regional challenges and advancing peace and prosperity within the West African region.
The inauguration of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament marks a pivotal moment in the region’s legislative landscape, signaling a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and development.
Other stakeholders, including the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, echoed calls for unity and collaboration among member states to overcome shared challenges and realize the region’s full potential.
In particular, they emphasized the critical role of the ECOWAS Parliament in promoting democracy, stability, and regional integration, urging members to align their efforts with the broader objectives of the organization.
Outgoing Speaker of the Fifth Parliament, Mohamed Tunis, urged the incoming Sixth Parliament to prioritize the campaign for direct election of members, citing its significance for representative governance and regional progress.
