Politics
ECOWAS Parliament: Tinubu Harps On Regional Integration
President Bola Tinubu has called for regional integration amongst the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 2nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament 2023 in Abuja.
President Tinubu, represented by Deputy Senate President, Jibirn Barau, at the Legislature of the 2023 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, said that regional integration was key to Africa.
The session is scheduled to be held from November 22 to December 15, 2023.
The session will also witness the swearing-in of new parliamentarians, among other activities.
The event would also have critical issues divided among committees being discussed, which would be centred on agriculture, environment, natural resources, health, legal affairs, gender and women’s empowerment, among others.
President Tinubu said that he was filled with optimism that the discussions held during the session would resonate throughout time and serve as inspiration for future generations.
“As parliamentarians, it is crucial to remember that we represent the aspirations and hopes of the people of West Africa, especially those who have faced immense hardships and deprivations.
“Mr Speaker, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership, opening new avenues for cross-regional cooperation and integration.
“Your unwavering commitment to upholding democracy in member states and safeguarding the rights to freedom and justice in West Africa is commendable.
“ECOWAS has much to be proud of; thanks to the efforts of ECOWAS, major cities in West Africa are connected by highways, such as the Nouakchott-Lagos Highway.
“The divide between Francophone and Anglophone countries has been bridged, fostering unity between the blocs,’’ he said.
He further added that the European Economic Community has achieved a single currency for its member states, maintained peace, and abolished passport control within the Schengen region.
“They have successfully combined the characteristics of a federation and a confederation. African nations, with their unique challenges, require even greater cooperation and integration.
“The atrocities in Sudan go unnoticed, while other regions receive immediate attention. We must take charge of our own destiny, working together, collaborating and integrating.
“Therefore, I pose the question, “Where do we go from here? The path ahead lies in the pursuit of integration and development.
“Integration should not be seen as a choice but as an imperative. It is our duty to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, recognising that together we can achieve and accomplish more.
“Let us draw inspiration from the European Union’s example and strive for the advancement of our beloved West Africa,’’ he said.
The session will also focus on the 2024 Consolidated Community Budget and the progress of the ECOWAS Integration and Development Programme.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.