By Omonu YG Nelson
The outgoing Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has lauded the Community Parliament press corps. otherwise known as Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) for their role in amplifying the activities of the Parliament under his watch.
Speaking in an interview, after his fairwell speech at the just concluded 2024 First Extraordinary Session in Freetown, republic of Sierra Leone, Tunis urged the group to extend same cooperation to his successor.
“I want to first thank you… gentlemen of the press… for the support you have given this parliament under my leadership,” Tunis declared, acknowledging the press corps’ contribution to the Parliament’s visibility.
On lessons learnt and advice for the sixth legislature, Tunis said, they must follow protocol: “Most of the challenges I faced… I was able to overcome… because I ensured that everything I did was done so by law,” Tunis emphasised, stressing adherence to treaties, rules, and regulations.
He further advised the they must resist undue influence: “There is so much temptation about the independence of the ECOWAS parliament,” he cautioned, urging future leaders to collaborate with the Commission and avoid financial autonomy that could hinder cooperation.
On his flagship agenda, Direct Elections into the Parliament, he said, only universal suffrage can firm up the legitimacy of the Parliament: “I believe only direct relations will give real legitimacy to the ECOWAS parliament,” Tunis argued, advocating for independent resource allocation and reduced reliance on the Commission.
On his prescription for sustainance of democracy in the sub-region, he recommended “prioritising good governance, fighting corruption is key,” Tunis stated, highlighting human rights and anti-corruption as cornerstones of good governance, urging leaders to uphold these principles.