#ElectionBuzzNig’23
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Nigeria to ensure that its general election is credible and rancour-free.
The Speaker of the Community Parliament, Dr. Sidie Tunis, who made the call at the opening of the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the regional parliament, added that the entire world looks up to Nigeria and expects success and a free, fair and peaceful election.
#Photostory: Some pictures of members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries, at the opening ceremony of the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.#ecoparl #2022firstordinarysession #vision2050 #countryreports pic.twitter.com/UiYqxsLY3i
— ECOWAS Parliament (@ECOWASParliamnt) June 9, 2022
Dr. Tunis noted that 2023 would be pivotal for democracy across the region, with elections scheduled to hold in three Member States; Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The Speaker, who also commended Nigeria over the smooth conduct of political party primaries across all levels, urged the Nigerian government, political parties, and the citizens to sustain the tempo as the world looks forward to Nigeria conducting free, fair, and credible general elections in 2023.
“I wish to congratulate the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the political class, for the successful conduct of the primaries of the two major political parties.
“We acknowledge the complexities of the Nigerian society; hence, we admire the maturity and tolerance exhibited so far.
“As we inch closer to full-scale political activities, let me seize this opportunity to advise all actors on the need for additional tolerance in this anxious period of full-scale political activities.
“The sub-region and indeed the world looks up to Nigeria, expecting a successful, as well as free, fair and peaceful election in early 2023,” Tunis said.
According to Tunis, the role of the ECOWAS Parliament in ensuring a successful democratic process cannot be over-emphasised hence the need for long engagements before election days.
“The role we play in ensuring that the democratic processes are conducted in a way that guarantees the best possible outcomes cannot be over-emphasised.
“In coordination with the ECOWAS Commission, we must begin our engagements long before the polling day to ensure successes in all the three Member States,” Tunis added.
On security, Dr. Tunis tasked Members of the Regional Parliament with actionable solutions to ending the insecurity, bad governance, and other challenges confronting the region.
He also lamented the spate of insecurity and political instability in Member Countries and said that citizens counted on Parliamentarians and people in authority for solutions.
The Speaker, who decried food shortage and poverty in the region, also called on the Community to do something urgent to tackle the menace.
“Each time I travel across the region, I am confronted with the hard questions: What is ECOWAS doing about food shortages?
“What is ECOWAS doing about rising prices of food and energy? What is ECOWAS doing about poverty eradication? Among others.
“These are the questions we must address not only with policy formulations and conferences but with actionable solutions that are indisputable.
“As we do our work over the next few days, I pray we place much more emphasis on practical results. We cannot afford to fail our people,” Tunis said.
Tunis also condemned the recent act of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria and other countries in the region, which he said has caused a significant setback in the affected countries.
“On a sad note, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry continue to cause significant setbacks for security in the region. The situation has worsened in Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We condemn the recent attack on the Kaduna International Airport and the Abuja-Kaduna train, which led to the loss of innocent lives and injuring many others. The gruesome attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo State led to the killing of many, and many others’ unfortunate deaths across the region.
“We thank the Nigerian government for its continued efforts in fighting the perpetrators of evil and call for increased vigilance in areas that are susceptible to threats,” he said.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou, commended the Members of Parliament for working tirelessly during several of its sessions to discuss burning issues confronting the sub-region for solutions.
Brou, who was represented by Vice President of the Commission, Finda Koroma, lamented the security situation in member states, pledging the unwavering support of the Commission to find solutions.
“Despite all the progress our Member States are making in the running of their countries, our region continues to face many challenges in the areas of security, humanitarian, political, and economic affairs.
“We, therefore, welcome the Accra Initiative and other efforts by our member states to fight the menace,” Brou said
The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also tasked members of the parliament to leverage their positions to effect the desired change for the sub-region.
“It is essential for the parliament to set the pace for better understanding the role of the legislature in governance.
“It is time to think outside the box to understand the role of parliament in democracy,” Gbajabiamila said.
The 2022 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, scheduled to hold from June 9 to July 2, will deliberate on draft community regulations emanating from the Commission.
The Parliamentarians will also discuss issues concerning examining community strategies targeted at improving regional governance.
Suzan O.
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