President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that he is in favor of a proposal for the direct election of members to the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States.
Tinubu mentioned that this change would allow citizens of member states to have a say in selecting their representatives at sub-regional levels.
Tinubu expressed his willingness to support direct elections into the ECOWAS Parliament while swearing in 97 members into the 6th Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
His remarks were made in light of the fact that the ECOWAS parliament is currently composed of existing lawmakers from the 15-member states.
As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu noted, “I am aware that the ECOWAS Parliament is seeking enhanced powers, primarily through the election of its members by direct universal suffrage.
Tinubu emphasized that this move would expand the role and responsibilities of parliamentarians in advancing regional development objectives, particularly in harmonizing laws and regulations across member states.
Tinubu pointed out that the direct election of public officials aligns with democratic principles upheld by Nigeria and enhances the legitimacy of democratic institutions, as well as the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Tinubu urged ECOWAS member states to unite, strengthen ties, and oppose forces that seek to divide the community.
He argued that regional solidarity is vital for enhancing the bloc’s resilience and effectiveness in the face of current challenges.
Therefore, member states cannot afford to remain passive observers while the community faces the threat of disintegration.
“We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring our unity remains unshaken.
“We must strengthen cooperation amongst us to build a sense of common destiny and purpose.
“No one can do this for us. We must come together,” he emphasized.
Tinubu reasoned that reinforcing the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State is critical in conveying the message that ECOWAS is one indivisible body.
He also stressed the importance of the executives displaying similar confidence in the Parliament, which would deepen democracy in the region.
“Meanwhile, amid ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth, and prosperity in our region,” the President stated.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the community and, by extension, the fundamental objectives upon which the ECOWAS Parliament was established.
Affirming the crucial role of the ECOWAS Parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, the President said success cannot be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative agency.
Tinubu also said that Nigeria, as the host of the community’s institution, will keep backing the Parliament to reach its goals.
“I am aware of the plan to have all ECOWAS institutions in one complex and of the good progress that has been made.
“Nigeria is also working to fulfill its responsibilities in building the ECOWAS Parliament’s Headquarters in Abuja within the same complex,” he confirmed.
He hoped that members of the 6th Legislature, will, in their discussions, address the main concerns of the region and come up with decisions that will lead to the achievement of peace and the progress of all.
“You can stand assured that Nigeria is always ready to support the ECOWAS Parliament, in whatever efforts you are involved, to move the ECOWAS mission forward,” Tinubu declared.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who Chairs the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, thanked members of the outgoing 5th Legislature, especially its Speaker, Dr. Sidie Tunis for their “invaluable contributions to the ECOWAS Parliament and the Organization as a whole.”
Tuggar encouraged the new members of Parliament to coordinate their positions on important issues with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
He argued that “Consistency in our collective stance will strengthen our voice on the international stage and deny ammunition to those who seek division and conflict.”
Meanwhile, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, cautioned that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Guinea from the bloc puts ECOWAS’ investments worth nearly $1bn at risk.
In January 2024, the three countries announced their withdrawal from the ECOWAS, citing “illegal sanctions” attracted by an unconstitutional change of government.
But Touray warned that “On the economic and financial front, the withdrawal of the three states could result in default or suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes in these countries worth more than $500m.
“It should be noted that…the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development currently has 27 ongoing public sector projects in the three countries valued at approximately $321.6m.
“38 per cent of this is in the form of investment in the public sector, while 61 per cent is constituted by investment in the private sector.”
Therefore, Touray tasked the new representatives to take seriously their role in keeping the nearly five-decade-old bloc together and stronger.
The ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, was established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993.
The original Protocol establishing the Parliament was signed in Abuja on August 6, 1994, outlining the Structure, Composition, Competence, and other matters relating to the Parliament.
The Parliament is made up of 115 seats. Each Member State has a guaranteed minimum of five seats, while the remaining 40 seats are shared based on population.
However, only 97 members, comprising lawmakers from various member states, were sworn in Thursday. They include 35 members from Nigeria and five from Benin Republic, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leon and Togo. Others include eight members from Ghana, seven from Cote d’Ivoire and six from Senegal and Guinea.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso did not send anyone to the sixth Parliament even though they were invited to do so, Touray said earlier.
Tinubu also asked the three countries to think again about their decision, pointing out that their withdrawal could have serious effects on their people and the sub-region, based on Touray’s comments.