As the 2022 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament begins in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, with the consideration of the 2023 budget, concerns are being raised on the need to reposition the region for economic impact, especially as it relates to food shortages and the economic downturn facing the region
In a speech President Muhammadu Buhari charged Parliamentarians to work towards meeting the needs of the citizenry so as to deal with various challenges confronting the region as they begin the 2023 budget consideration.
The President said it is essential the parliament recognize the sacrifice of countries regarding the payment of Community Levy during consideration to have a fair and balanced legislature to meet the needs of the people.
Lamenting the global phenomenon, President Buhari, said since the formation of ECOWAS, 47 years ago, the Organization has recorded changes in its population despite the increasing challenges arising from citizen’s aspirations, had remained resolute so the region will wax stronger through integration and solidarity for inclusive governance.
The President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, on his part, called for more stringent action to tackle terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel region.
He noted that violent acts which have built up in the Sahel are spreading to the Coaster state, therefore, threatening regional peace and stability.
According to him, there is need for the region to deploy mechanisms aimed at curtailing threats to citizens’ security while seeking to surmount hunger and poverty in the region.
For the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States Parliamentarians, Honourable Sidie Tunis, with the growing effect of food shortages, poverty, hunger, and economic crises ravaging the region, the 2023 budget will be directed towards programmes and projects that will meet the needs and aspirations of the people.
He emphasised that with the looming crises facing the region urgency is required by all actors to reflect the mandate of ECOWAS founding fathers for positive impact.
According to the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Asante MPs should join forces with the Court to defend democracy and the rights of the community citizens in the face of human rights abuses as it will go a long way in deepening the region’s democratic governance to guarantee the effective discharge of its mandate.
The meeting of the Second Ordinary Session for the year 2022 is committed to the Consideration of the Consolidated Community Budget for the year 2023, Consideration of Reports from Joint, Standing and Ad hoc Committees, Consideration of Reports from Fact-Finding and Oversight
Missions, Presentation of Country Reports as well as Interactive sessions with partners aimed at seeking better ways to boost operations for citizens’ well-being.
The conference considered a “Budget Session”, was graced by two heads of state, the president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and his counterpart Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government and they were awarded for excellent leadership and dedication to the service of humanity worldwide.
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