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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has announced his backing for the direct election of members into the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This move, as Tinubu emphasised, aims to empower citizens of member states by allowing them to have a direct say in selecting their representatives.
As Nigeria, the host country, pledges continued support to the ECOWAS Parliament, the push for direct elections signals a step towards strengthening democratic practices and fostering transparency in representation.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament at the Abuja International Conference Centre, Tinubu, drawing from his experience as a former legislator, expressed his anticipation in reviewing the proposal.
Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted the importance of aligning with democratic principles and the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.
The ECOWAS Parliament, established under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, comprises 115 seats, with each member state guaranteed a minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are distributed based on population, with only 97 members sworn in, representing various member states.
Notably, Tinubu’s call for direct elections echoes a commitment to enhancing the democratic process within the region and ensuring greater citizen participation in governance.
Affirming the important role of the ECOWAS Parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, he said success cannot be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative agency.
“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 that they will assume in advancing our regional development objectives, particularly in harmonizing laws and regulations across the member states.
“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. We believe this would ensure that citizens have a direct say in their representation – in addition to the legitimacy and credibility such a process will confer,” the President said.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu called on ECOWAS member states to come together, strengthen ties, and reject forces bent on causing division within the community.
The absence of representatives from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso underscores the challenges faced by the region, with Tinubu urging these states to reconsider their decision to exit the bloc, emphasising the potential implications for their citizens and the broader regional stability.
He emphasised that member states can not afford to remain passive spectators while the community faces the threat of disintegration.
“We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaken. We must ensure that cooperation amongst 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.
“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 one 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, in the midst of ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth, and prosperity in our region,” the President said.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the community and, by extension, the fundamental objectives upon which the ECOWAS Parliament was established.
President Tinubu also stated that Nigeria, as the host of the community’s institution, will continue to support the Parliament to achieve its objectives.
“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 meet its responsibilities in constructing the ECOWAS Parliament’s Headquarters in Abuja within the same complex.
“I would like to emphasize that, as you conduct the business of the 6th Legislature, it is my hope that your discussions will provide you the opportunity to address the prime concerns of the region and come up with resolutions that will lead to the attainment of peace and the advancement of all. You can stand assured that Nigeria is always ready to support the ECOWAS Parliament, in whatever endeavours you are engaged, to move the ECOWAS mission forward,” the President stated.
