The acting Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament), Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for strong collaboration between the community parliament and other ECOWAS institutions to promote democracy, strengthen security and advance development in the West African sub-region.
Senator Barau made the call at the opening of the 2024 second extraordinary session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament Tuesday, in Kano, North West Nigeria.
Senator Barau reiterated that the parliament was open to deliberations on all critical issues affecting the entire subregion with a view to proffering recommendations that will further unite and bond the peoples of the community.
He also advanced the cause for the independence of the community parliament to facilitate its oversight function and help strengthen democracy and good governance among member states.
“There is a compelling need to build strong collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and undertake joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and advancing development. While it is true that each institution has its unique prerogative, the fact remains that there exist cross-cutting issues that are best addressed with enhanced collaboration among the community institutions.
“As the Parliament looks towards facilitating the promotion of democracy, checks and balances, as well as accountability in the ECOWAS Community, having a strong ECOWAS Parliament is indispensable. I have had the esteemed honour of leading this Parliament for barely two months and I have concluded that much needs to be done in terms of asserting the independence of the Parliament in the exercise of its important roles of parliamentary oversight and representation.
“There is also a compelling need to build strong collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and undertake joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and advancing development. While it is true that each institution has its unique prerogative, the fact remains that there exist cross-cutting issues that are best addressed with enhanced collaboration among the community institutions,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II and Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, among others.
