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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The 6th Legislature of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament) was inaugurated recently and expectedly, they would chart a new legislative agenda for the regional bloc in the next four years amid efforts to promote regional security, peace and integration.
Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Jibrin Barau, was, however, elected 1st Deputy Speaker of the Parliament.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Senator Barau spoke about the need to promote peace, unity and socio-economic development in the region.
He also highlighted the lessons the world and Africa should learn from the recent peaceful elections in Senegal.
Are you concerned with the growing tension and unrest in West Africa?
Yes, I should be worried because it wasn’t like this before. Long before the arrival of the colonial masters, West Africa was one and strongly united. For example, you could see Hausa speaking individuals across countries in the region. The presence of these Hausa-speaking communities in several West African countries are conspicuous. They are Ghana, Niger, Mali and several others doing amazing things and contributing to the economy of the host countries. We were one people until the coming of colonial masters that led to the division of territories. So, it has become a must for us to put our heads together so we can move the region forward. If you look at what’s happening in Europe and other parts of the world, they’re working hard on daily basis on ways to better the lives and economy of their people. They are also committed to supporting ease of doing business and free movement for the people. Today, you can enter France, and from there to Portugal, Spain and other countries in Europe. If we can put our heads together like the Europeans, we would achieve more and make life and living better for our people.
Is there plan to strengthen the regional body?
Yes, it’s part of our plan and we are working hard to achieve that. This is because if we don’t take those steps we might be left behind in the great socio-economic transformation that’s going on across the world. So, it has become something of necessity for us to take the measures that would improve the welfare and well-being of our people.
Are you people considering the issue of single travel document for the region?
Yes, it’s also part of the plans we have for the region. Clearly, we are working towards that, and we are optimistic that in no distant time, we would achieve that target.
Members of the ECOWAS Parliament seem not confident enough to question the decisions of the leaders?
That may not be totally true. Nevertheless, I can assure you that we will introduce changes that will correct whatever lapses that has been identified. We are deeply committed to the cause of promoting security, unity, economy, and general growth and development of the region. Through the help of God and support of our people, we will achieve that goal that we have set for ourselves. All of us at the Parliament are committed to any cause that would ensure that we achieve these goals. We are optimistic that things would surely change for good within the shortest time.
Elections were held recently in Senegal and it was adjudged free, fair and transparent peaceful. What lessons are there for Africa?
The Senegal election was peaceful, and also reflected the desire of the majority of the citizens. You must note that there’s nothing better than peace and unity in the country. Without peace, there’s limit to the development the country can make. This practice of taking political power through the guns should stop forthwith because it will benefit nobody nor the country.
What are your suggestions?
Democracy has proven to be the best system of government even though it has its own flaws, but remember that there’s no perfect system. The systems are all subject to review. So, the best thing is to go by democracy, which has been tested and trusted by the majority of the countries. Elections have proven to be the best means to legitimate political power. The old practice of using the guns to snatch political power is no longer realistic and should be discouraged because it does no good to anyone. So, if we know that something is good and profitable, why do we have to go the way of something that is not good. We should join hands to discourage such bad practices.
But there are wide beliefs that democracy is far from being perfect?
Such beliefs might be correct, but that does not invalidate the fact that democracy is the system among every other options as confirmed by several countries that have practiced democracy for decades. Surely, there might be disagreements in democracy, there might be doubts in the processes, but that’s an opportunity to learn and perfect the system. The best thing is to participate in the electoral process despite the perceived flaws and choose your preferred leaders.
Those flaws and disagreement were noted in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria?
Yes, the 2023 general election in Nigeria was characterized by allegations of manipulations and doubts, but the power ended up with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The back and forth in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria was same experience in Senegal. The Court in Senegal had to step in and directed that elections are held, and the result was there for all to see. The choice of the majority was declared the winner of the presidential election. The peace, process and spirit of sportsmanship are the lesson that all countries of the world should learn from Senegal. It’s better that way because otherwise could have led to destabilization of the country, and no one would have benefitted from it. Amidst that, the world might choose not to associate with the country again, and that could worsen the economy and chances of the people to interact with the world.
What dispute resolution measures would you have suggested?
In whatever that happens during or after election, there’s always a way out. This country can achieve that through dialogue, negotiation or political agreements or even through the court system. That’s far better than using force or dubious means to get political power. I insisted that democracy is better because it gives everybody the freedom and opportunity to make contributions to the governance system. Even in our households, children are happy when on rare occasions parents invite them to the table for discussions instead of being authoritative all the time. It gives them joy and sense of belonging.
How will ECOWAS Parliament members promote unity and tolerance among member-states?
The best way is working with each member with deep understanding and mutual respect for each other. We must consider the differences in political and cultural views of each member-state. To achieve this, all members of the ECOWAS Parliament must join hand in making that happen. We must consult and seek each other’s opinion and contribution to discussions, reach out to our people to know their needs. Members have to be patriotic enough and make the interest of the sub-region their priority. They would be expected to do the right things at all time in the interest of the people. Undoubtedly, there’s limit to what the sub-region could achieve if they are divided and not committed to the welfare and interest of the people. So, we need to come together to make that happen.
Will the ECOWAS Parliament strengthen the push for return of democracy to Niger?
It has been a task that we must accomplish as soon as we can. It’s our responsibility to promote unity, good governance, and socio-economic development in the region. Like I said earlier, different systems of government have been tested over the years and it appeared that democracy seems better than others. So, it’s important that we support democracy in every country of the region. It’s better and efficient, and also give opportunity to citizens to participate in choosing their leaders. Democracy gives hope to the hopeless, and give equal opportunity for people to elect and be elected. For instance, in the National Assembly, there are Islamic scholars, human rights activists and people from different backgrounds. That wouldn’t have been possible if not for democracy. For instance, an Islamic scholars, Isa Pantami, served as Minister under the former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
So, you are strongly in support of the return of democracy to Niger?
Yes. Democracy is simply the best opportunity for good governance. Indonesia is the country with highest number of Muslims in the world, and their system of government is democracy. Same thing with Bangladesh and other countries with high number of Muslims that practice democracy. It’s an indication that it’s better than any other system. For instance, you can’t be the President of these countries if you are not a Muslim.
