Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to develop effective solutions to combat the pressing issues affecting the sub-region.
Abbas listed a range of pressing concerns, including terrorist activities, banditry, pirate attacks, human trafficking, human rights abuses, and the devastating impacts of climate change.
He made a passionate appeal for collective action against the region’s challenges while delivering his goodwill message at the official opening of the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the sixth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.
In a speech delivered by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who was earlier sworn in as a member of the parliament on Monday, Abbas emphasized the imperativeness of dedication and commitment from ECOWAS member states.
He stressed that member states’ genuine willingness to drive meaningful change and reform is a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the parliamentary body’s resolutions and decisions.
Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, released a statement in which Abbas stated: “While I feel greatly delighted to commend the ECOWAS Parliament for these invaluable contributions, we must also acknowledge that these multifaceted challenges are still confronting the sub-region in new and complex dimensions.”
“Terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change, and bad governance have remained serious impediments to the peace, security, and economic development of our sub-region.
“These challenges have placed greater responsibility on the ECOWAS Parliament to continue to carry out its legislative functions with increased vigour, passion, and commitment.
“It is my sincere hope that this session of the parliament will produce resolutions that will impact positively and go a long way in mitigating these challenges.
“However, it is important to stress that any resolutions reached will amount to nothing if there is no commitment and cooperation on the part of ECOWAS member states.
“Since its establishment by the ECOWAS Treaty in 1975, the ECOWAS Parliament has no doubt contributed immensely to strengthening representative democracy, promoting and defending human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and good governance in the sub-region.
“It has also been actively involved in promoting peace, security, and stability.
“I appeal to our leaders to commit to implementing resolutions of the parliament for the greater good of our sub-region. The current challenges confronting our sub-region cannot be decisively addressed unless there is unity of purpose, partnership, and cooperation in our decisions and actions.”
The Speaker affirmed the commitment of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, in collaboration with the 10th National Assembly, to uphold and advance the principles of democracy, ensuring a harmonious and productive partnership between the executive and legislative branches.
He said: “Rt Honourable Speaker and members, let me assure you that Nigeria, under the leadership of President . Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to defending and promoting democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights in our sub-region.
“On our part, the Nigerian parliament is committed to supporting the president through legislative measures that will provide a robust framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy, strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic interests, enhance security cooperation, and promote regional and global peace.
“Let me also assure you that we shall continue to cooperate and partner with the ECOWAS Parliament in the areas of building legislative capacity, sharing of experiences and ensuring that resolutions passed are implemented.
“In doing this, we shall take advantage of Nigeria’s strong representation in the ECOWAS Parliament to push for debates and resolutions that will be of immense political, economic, and social benefits to our sub-region.”
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