…Says promotion of regional integration, democracy, good governance can’t be overstated
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said that the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is more important to the sub-region than ever.
Tuggar stated this during the inaugural session of the sixth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.
In attendance were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray; outgoing Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis, amongst others.
Tuggar who doubles as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, expressed the deepest appreciation of the council to the outgoing 5th Legislature, especially its Speaker, for their invaluable contributions to the ECOWAS Parliament and the organization as a whole.
Tuggar further said the role the 5th legislature played, particularly in the promotion of regional integration agenda, democracy, and good governance in West Africa, cannot be overstated.
“As Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, I had the privilege of working with the 5th Legislature, and witnessed first-hand, their commitment to advancing the goals of our organization. Indeed, the 5th Legislature’s extensive work enhanced the efficacy of ECOWAS Community Institutions and their programmes.
“In the face of the various challenges confronting our region, including peace, stability, security, as well as the unity of our region, the role of the Parliament is more important than ever. The balance between executive, judicial and legislative arms is critical for effective, responsive and transparent governance. This was recently demonstrated by the key role played by Senegal’s judiciary 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, and other Community Institutions, are of vital importance in promoting democracy and regional stability,” Tuggar said.
Tuggar also said it was imperative that the Parliament continued to work in synergy with the ECOWAS Commission and other institutions that serve as the executive and judicial arms of the organization.
“Collaboration between the Commission, Court and Parliament is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programs that benefit our citizens. I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other bodies and to align your efforts with the broader objectives of ECOWAS.
“Furthermore, I urge the new members of Parliament to ensure that your positions on key issues are harmonized with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Consistency in our collective stance will strengthen our voice on the international stage and prevent any perception of disunity within our organization.
“For us at the Council of Ministers, we look forward to more robust engagement and collaboration with the Parliament, as the closest representatives of the Community citizens. This is with a view to amplifying the values of ECOWAS and increasing its visibility through programmes and projects that have direct beneficial impacts on our citizens. Through its usual oversight functions, the Parliament would contribute immensely towards the realisation of these objectives,” Tuggar also said.
In his remarks, Tunis said democratic transitions, in a civilized society and institution like that of the sub-region, are very pivotal moments where the aspirations of the people intersect with the mechanisms of governance.
“The ECOWAS Parliament, since its formation, has contributed efficiently and effectively to the implementations of the objectives of the Community, in its unending quest to strengthen representative democracy across the region. Today’s transition, therefore, provides a fresh opportunity to renew that commitment and contribute further to a more prosperous future for the people of West Africa,” Tunis said.
Tunis further said that upon assuming the honourable role, the Parliament was met with challenges that tested its resolve.
“Economic upheavals, security unrest, the COVID 19 pandemic, and political uncertainties. Yet, amid those difficulties, the Parliament remained resilient, and the trials only revealed the true spirit of our commitment.
“In many ways, this Parliament shaped my perspectives and, I am quite sure, those of every Honorable Member who served the Institution. The 5th Legislature witnessed a remarkable display of idealism and courage, one that fiercely defended human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance. Our exchanges represented the hopes of our people, our strive for progress and shared opportunity for all our member states, and the attainment of the overall objectives of the community. Most times, in fact all the time, it wasn’t about Sierra Leone, or Nigeria, or Senegal, or Ghana. Our debates, opinions, and resolutions were always about West Africa and that, we pray, will continue to always be,” Tunis added.
In his farewell remarks, Tunis said he found his service as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament to be both instructive and educative.
“My tenure was years enriched by the wisdom obtained from the clarity of thought, animated discussions and exhaustive debates we held from time to time. With dedication, we experienced the joy of considering 83 draft Community Acts, each of which was well scrutinized in committee rooms. We successfully rendered our opinion through 94 resolutions, which speaks volume of the level of work done by the 5″ Legislature and the maturity of the ECOWAS Parliament.
“We were also very intentional about Parliamentary Diplomacy and the benefits that could be derived from. To the dying end of this Legislature, we were in the Republic of Senegal on a Parliamentary mediation, which, together with the efforts of the Authority, culminated into the overall success of the presidential election. I seize this opportunity to congratulate the President, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye and thank the people of Senegal for demonstrating faith in the democratic process and the peaceful way the election was conducted,” Tunis also said.