The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called for greater economic partnerships and co-operation amongst Africa countries, stressing that the artificial boundaries that impede free movement of people and goods should be removed.
The Deputy Speaker made the call when he received the Speaker of East Africa Legislative Assembly, Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana who paid him a courtesy visit in company of the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament, Hon. Sidie Tunis and a member of Tanzania parliament, Hon. Mlozi Richard.
Hon Kalu urged parliaments of various countries in Africa to review their laws impeding economic growth and free movement of people.
Kalu also said that the Nigerian House of Representatives will support the candidacy of Dr. Tulia Ackson for the President of Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU), asking to make her manifesto known to lawmakers.
“I believe one day there will be a platform where we all come together as one continent, as one nation, divided by the boundaries created by interests best known to those who divided us to speak with one voice. The voice of Africa.
“We are one people. We must not allow this to fester in the near future. I don’t know whether this is part of the dreams of the speaker of Tanzania who wants to be the President of the IPU. These are dear to our hearts, we will encourage when you go back to inform her. We need to get to know more about her manifesto, what she’s taking to Inter-parliamentary union. The need to engage the biggest parliament in Africa cannot be over emphasized, we don’t want to be recorded as those who didn’t support one of our own but we need to understand her vision to the IPU.” Hon. Kalu said.
Earlier, the speaker of ECOWAS parliament, Hon. Tunis emphasized the need for Africa integration.
He also hailed Nigeria for her contributions to ECOWAS.
“As you know, ECOWAS generally is about integration. To integrate our people considering free movement of people and goods.
“We believe that, in Africa, for all of us to come together, the various regional bodies must be in the position to work together to support their trade union.
“Nigeria is the country that is leading the region. Like I told the Speaker of EALA in my office today, Nigeria in ECOWAS is like United States in UN. The bulk of our budgetary support comes from Nigeria. That’s why we don’t allow them to even get upset. When they get upset, we will begin to catch cold.” Tunis said.
In her remarks earlier, the member of Tanzania parliament, Hon Richard appealed to Nigerian parliament to support Dr. Tulia Ackson for IPU presidency.
“I’m very honoured to be here today with my colleagues, to campaign for Dr. Tulia Ackson who is contesting for the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
“Dr. Tulia Ackson is a Member of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania. She joined the National Assembly in the year 2015, and since then, she has been attending series of meetings in IPU and she has had the opportunity to understand the vision and mission of the IPU. She as well understands the role of IPU in the World.
“As at now, Hon. (Dr.) Tulia Ackson is the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania and the President of African Group in the IPU.
“I have had the opportunity of working with Dr. Tulia Ackson for over 10 years and I can attest that she is a very dynamic and committed person. She is a remarkable Lawyer, a distinguished Academician and a distinct Politician.
“We understand that as of now, women have been so marginalized in top decision making positions and if Dr. Ackson is elected as President of IPU, that would really mean progress and empowerment for women to start taking positions in top management and decision making positions.
“We also need to understand that we need to start breaking the barriers, we need to start challenging the gender norms and I believe that Dr. Ackson will be an inspiration to many women if she gets elected; not only women, but the young women who are the majority, in not only Africa, but around the world”, she said.
Olusola Akintonde
