Abuja, Nigeria – Hon. Dr. Harun Mshelia, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has frowned at the disorderly manner with which members conduct themselves during plenary. Contributing to debate during Tuesday’s plenary, Hon Mshelia urged members to focused on the challenges and opportunities facing democracy and regional integration in West Africa.
Parliamentary Rules and Respect: Dr. Mshelia expressed concern about the current rules governing meetings in the ECOWAS Parliament, which he believes are inadequate for maintaining order and respect. He advocated for stricter enforcement of existing rules and the introduction of new measures to ensure decorum during discussions.
On Democracy and Education, Dr. Mshelia explained that there’s crucial link between education and the quality of democracy in a region grappling with low literacy rates. He argued that “countries with well-integrated communities and higher levels of education tend to have more robust democracies.” He urged for continued investment in education to empower citizens and combat the manipulation of democratic processes by a few.
Patience and Progress: While acknowledging the frustrations with the slow pace of democratic development, Dr. Mshelia cautioned against impatience. He emphasized that “democracy is a process, and as people become more enlightened, the theoretical democracies will actually practice properly, and things will improve.”
Universal Suffrage: Dr. Mshelia expressed his support for universal suffrage within the ECOWAS Parliament, but he stressed the importance of careful implementation. He noted the need for “property bankruptcy in all member states” before such a system could be adopted to avoid potential instability.
Ghana’s Example: He cited the case of Ghana, where a period of authoritarian rule was followed by a significant improvement in democratic practices. He suggested that this could be a lesson for other West African nations, but emphasized the need for a gradual and organic path towards stronger democratic institutions.
Regional Integration and Unity: Dr. Mshelia called for a stronger sense of regional community among ECOWAS members. He urged parliamentarians to “remove the cap of their country and walk in as members of the community parliament.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared goals for the region’s development and prosperity.
A Call to Action: Dr. Mshelia concluded his speech by urging his fellow parliamentarians to embrace the challenges and opportunities facing the region. He emphasized the need for continued investment in education, democratic development, and regional integration. With dedication and collaboration, he believes that West Africa can build a brighter future for all its citizens.
Dr. Mshelia’s speech sparked lively debate among the parliamentarians, and his call for action is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion beyond the session.
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