The ECOWAS Parliament has requested President Buhari’s assistance in realizing its Direct Universal Suffrage, which will allow the parliament to work more effectively and freely.
On Tuesday, Hon. Sidie Tunis, Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, called for support at the ECOWAS Parliament’s 2021 Ordinary Session in Abuja.
“We discussed the possibility of achieving this democratic reform and establishing the parliament as a truly democratic body.”
“We also used the visit to educate the Nigerien authorities on the mode of election and to facilitate discussions on the strategy for achieving it.”
“This is not just a democratic quest; it is a requirement that must be met in order to establish long-term democracy in the region.”
“I am thus humbly pleased to take advantage of this glorious opportunity to request that President Mahamadu Buhari please consider giving this advocacy your full support.”
“We are confident that with your help, we will make a safe landing.”
“Your Excellency, the Vice President is kindly entreated to convey to His Excellency this modest request of the ECOWAS Parliament,” Tunis said.
The speaker recalled the parliament’s efforts in its pursuit of direct election of members to the sub-regional parliament.
He stated that he had requested President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana to champion the same cause during the parliament’s Extraordinary Session in Winneba, Ghana.
He added that the parliament also asked former President of the Republic of Niger Mohamadou Issoufou to serve as Chief Advocate, and Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former President of the ECOWAS Commission, to serve as Assistant Chief Advocate.
“Having received their approval, we set out to address the following key areas: The procedures for conducting and funding the election of members to the ECOWAS Parliament.
“The electoral Code for the election, as well as a proposal for a code of conduct for election candidates.”
“Two weeks ago, I led an ECOWAS Parliament delegation on a study visit to the Republic of Niger.”
“We discussed direct elections to the ECOWAS Parliament with His Excellency the President of the Republic and the Assistant Chief Advocate.”
“We discussed the possibility of achieving this democratic reform and establishing the Parliament as a truly democratic body.”
“We also used the visit to sensitize the Nigerien authorities on the mode of election and to facilitate deliberations on the strategy to achieve it,” Tunis explained.
Speaking about the “Budget Session,” Tunis stated that he expected members of parliament to translate the vision with which they approached the exercise into goals that were consistent with regional and global dynamics.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Tunis-led Fifth Legislature’s main agenda item is the realization of direct universal suffrage in the legislature.
The ECOWAS Parliament will hold its Second Ordinary Session in 2021 from November 30 to December 18, 2021.
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