The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Tunis sidie has called on Nigeria to ensure peaceful and credible general elections, come 2023.
He made the appeal in his opening address at the first ordinary session of the fifth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja,
Dr Tunis noted that Africa and indeed the whole world was looking up to Nigeria as a flagship of Political stability.
He however commended the country on the maturity the two main Political parties displayed in the conduct of their primaries and urged that the same attitude be sustained during the general election.
To this end, Dr. Tunis said the Parliament would commence early engagement in collaboration with ECOWAS Commission to ensure a successful exercise in Nigeria and two other countries, Liberia and Sierra Leone billed to hold elections next year.
“May I remind us that next year will be very pivotal for democracy across the region. With elections scheduled to hold in three Member States; the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, our role in ensuring that the democratic processes are conducted to guarantee the best possible outcomes cannot be overemphasized. In coordination with the ECOWAS Commission, we must begin our engagements long before polling day to ensure successes in all three Member States.”
The Speaker also congratulated The Republic of Gambia for the successful conduct of its election in April this year.
On the occasion, the Speaker of Gambia National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta In his goodwill message condemned the unconstitutional seizure of power by the military in some member States and the use of the Parliament by leaders to perpetuate themselves in power.
“In this regard, the Government, and People of The Gambia condemn in the strongest terms the unconstitutional seizure of political power through coup de tats which is threatening the very fabric of our society. This also includes those leaders who rely on support in Parliament to amend their constitutions to accord themselves extended term limits against the will of their people”.
He said to sustain economic prosperity, peace, and stability in the sub-region, governance must be based on the pillars of justice, accountability, probity and most importantly, respect for the people’s will.
RN