The ECOWAS Parliament has called on Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and other countries in the region, who will be going to the polls in 2023 to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Community Parliament, Idris Ahmed Wase, made the call at the closing ceremony of the 2022 2nd Ordinary Session of the Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria.
Hon. Wase also called on the political actors to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and love in bid to ensure rancor free polls.
He urged those going into election never to allow the need to make choices tear their country apart, rather, the choices they make should strengthen their love and brotherliness.
“We must remember that peace and stability is paramount for the wellbeing of the Community. We must never allow the need to make choices tear us apart, rather, the choices we make should strengthen our love and brotherliness. We at the ECOWAS Parliament will watch, pray and wish that these elections will be peaceful and successful”.
On the successes recorded by the parliament in the outgoing year, Hon. Wase said: “With a deep sense of fulfillment, I wish to observe that the milestones achieved in the year 2022 readily call for a breath of satisfaction. They are, however, a reminder and a call to what lies ahead of us”.
“Going through our reports and submissions, you will readily agree with me that, we still have a lot do to bring succor to the people that we serve. To say the least, our journey is yet to begin. I, therefore, implore you to get ready for another year of rigorous tasks and commitment to our Community”.
“Let me draw your attention to the fact that, each year comes with its own blessings, challenges, and uncertainties. We must, therefore stand on the side of hope that the year 2023 will usher in the best for us. In our moments of stock-taking and deep sober reflection, let us all, while pondering on our achievements and inadequacies, draw up new and dynamic ideas towards the tasks that we will be faced with in 2023.”
Hon. Wase who is also the Deputy Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives, said, there is no better time than now to brace up in readiness to work for a better future for the people, regardless of the political upheavals, economic instability, humanitarian and environmental disasters, that have bedeviled the
sub region.
Reviewing the activities of the session, he stated: “This Session enabled us to consider the consolidated Community budget and recommendations from the relevant Committees thereby, leading to its final adoption.
“In addition to the consideration of the Community budget, this Session enabled us to dedicate time to examine several referrals from the ECOWAS Commission. These referrals were successfully considered and opinions rendered. In addition, the Report of the 2022 Second Extra-Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament, the Reports of the Standing, Ad-Hoc/ Joint Committees and the Reports of the Parliamentary Fact-Finding & Oversight Missions were considered and adopted as well.”
Hon, Wase commended members of the Parliament saying: “I wish to also recognize my dear colleagues, the Honorable Members of this Parliament for their hard work, co-operation and presence throughout the duration of this session. Your passion, dedication and commitment towards the realization of the Parliament’s goals and objectives is worthy of praise and emulation. In the same vein, I appreciate everyone whose contribution made this Session a success”.
“I equally wish to extend our profound gratitude to other dignitaries, notably; His Excellency Fortune Charumbia, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, His Excellency Ennaam Mayara, President of the Moroccan House of Councilors, Heads of ECOWAS Institutions and other dignitaries for availing us their presence, thereby adding value to our Session. I thank them for their commitment to the ECOWAS Parliament and the Community at large.
“Permit me to extend my deep appreciation to His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Chairman of Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Guinea Bissau, as well as His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President of the Republic of Nigeria, for honouring our invitation to attend the formal opening of the Session.”
Hon. Wase said the region has the capacity to face its challenges and make the best of them to drive her into growth and development.
He said, the Parliament must remember that peace and stability is paramount for the wellbeing of the Community.
