Tinubu’s Message to ECOWAS: Unite Against Forces of Division
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states to unite, strengthen ties, and reject forces intent on causing division within the community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in enhancing the bloc’s resilience and effectiveness at this critical juncture.
He highlighted that member states could not afford to be passive spectators while the community faces the threat of disintegration.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President said, “We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaken. We must ensure that cooperation among us is strengthened, with a view to building a sense of common destiny and purpose. No one can do this for us. We must come together.
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“To this extent, reinforcing the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State is key in sending a message that ECOWAS is an indivisible body. It is also very important that the executives, on the other hand, show similar confidence in the Parliament, which would indeed deepen democracy in our region.
“Meanwhile, amidst ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth, and prosperity in our region.”
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 important role of the ECOWAS Parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, President Tinubu said success could not be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative body.
“Furthermore, to realize the ECOWAS ‘Vision 2050’, we require greater involvement of the people in the decision-making processes of the community. That can only be achieved through their duly-elected representatives who, being members of their national parliaments, are seconded to the community parliament. We are here, collectively, to serve all the good and great people of West Africa.
“I am aware that the ECOWAS Parliament is seeking enhanced powers, primarily through the election of its members by direct universal suffrage. This will increase the role parliamentarians must play and the responsibilities they will assume in advancing our regional development objectives, particularly in harmonizing laws and regulations across the member states.
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“Indeed, the practice of directly electing public officials aligns with the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds, as it enhances the legitimacy of our democratic institutions.
“This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing a proposal regarding this matter, and we stand ready to support direct elections into the ECOWAS Parliament.”
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