By Omonu YG Nelson
Abuja, Nigeria – As the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament gets underway in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of unity and integration among West African nations. He highlighted ECOWAS’ successes, including the construction of highways, the bridging of the divide between Francophone and Anglophone countries, and the establishment of an efficient telephone network. However, he also acknowledged the challenges facing the region and called for greater cooperation and integration.
In his speech, Tinubu commended ECOWAS’ accomplishments, noting that “ECOWAS has much to be proud of.” He specifically cited the construction of major highways, the bridging of the divide between Francophone and Anglophone countries, and the establishment of an efficient telephone network.
However, Tinubu also acknowledged the challenges facing ECOWAS, including the atrocities in Sudan and the lack of international attention to Africa’s problems. He called for African nations to take charge of their own destiny and work together to overcome these challenges.
Call for Integration and Development
Tinubu emphasized the importance of integration and development for West Africa. He stated that “integration is not a choice, but an imperative,” and that it is our duty to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
He also drew inspiration from the European Union’s example, noting that the EU has achieved a single currency, maintained peace, abolished passport control within the Schengen region, and successfully combined the characteristics of a federation and confederation. He challenged African nations to work towards similar goals.
Tinubu Expresses Confidence in His Own Leadership
Tinubu expressed confidence in his ability to lead West Africa towards a brighter future. He stated that his “exceptional track record of transformative leadership” makes him the right leader for this time.
He concluded his speech by calling on the ECOWAS Parliament to seize the opportunity to advance West Africa. He stated that “the right leader has emerged at the right time,” and that “we must ensure that we do not lose our progress.”
President Bola Tinubu’s speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament was a call to action for West African nations to unite and work together to overcome the challenges they face. He highlighted ECOWAS’ successes, acknowledged the challenges, and called for greater integration and development. He expressed confidence in his own leadership and urged the ECOWAS Parliament to seize the opportunity to advance West Africa.
In retrospect, the ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is one of the Institutions of ECOWAS. It is the Assembly of Peoples of the Community serving as a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus for Representatives of the people of West Africa with the aim of promoting integration. It was established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993.
The initial Protocol establishing the Parliament was signed in Abuja on August 6, 1994. It provided for the Structure, Composition, Competence and other matters relating to the Parliament. The Parliament is composed of one hundred and fifteen (115) seats. Each Member State shall have a guaranteed minimum of five (5) seats. The remaining forty (40) seats shall be shared on the basis of population.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was ably represented by the Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Senate, Jibril Barau.
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