The first Deputy Speaker of the sixth legislature of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) Parliament, Barau Jibrin has affirmed that members remain resolute in the mission to uphold peace and prosperity for the people of West Africa,
Barau, who spoke at the closing ceremony of the Inaugural Session of the Sixth Legislature of the Parliament in Abuja, underscored the need for the law makers to commit to the service of the community to ensure its prosperity and emergence.
Harping for all hands to be on deck to serve, he called for concerted effort in unity of purpose to achieve the objectives of the Parliament.
According to Jibrin “The mission we have been assigned is enormous but very exciting because it involves putting ourselves at the service of the community to ensure its prosperity and emergence.
“So, let’s join forces beyond our differences to remain true to our commitments and make history with our term of office. Let us work resolutely to produce concrete and valuable results for ECOWAS.
“Your passion, dedication, and commitment to achieving the objectives of the Parliament will enable us to make ECOWAS an ECOWAS of peoples where peace and prosperity reign for all.
“Our responsibilities are heavy, and we must be aware of them and remain totally faithful to our commitments. That’s why we need to work together with intelligence, rigour, and determination to meet the major challenges that lie ahead.
“We will be counting on your efforts, contributions, and, above all, effective presence at our deliberations as we get things going,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker further noted that the inaugural session, which was convened in accordance with Article 28 of the Supplementary Act relating to the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, has marked the beginning of a new era for the Parliament.
He also used the opportunity to express his solidarity with the Togolese Delegation that were expected to present a candidate for the position of the Speaker but could not, as a result of their absence following the political situation in their country.
“I seize this opportunity to express our solidarity with the Togolese Delegation and pledge the full support of this Parliament in insuring that the Togolese Representatives are inaugurated as soon as possible, which will ultimately lead to the election of new Speaker.
“Nevertheless, I extol the wisdom of this house and the processes that led to the election of the Four Honourable Deputy Speakers.
“The application of the Doctrine of Necessity was necessary to restore order to this house and uphold the sanctity of our cherished institution.
“I thank the Bureau of Age and the Honourable Speaker Pro-Tempore for exercising leadership and thank all the Honourable Members for supporting the process to the fullest. The action taken by this Parliament, marks the beginning of what I foresee to be a united Parliament that speaks with one voice in the interest of our community,” Barau said.
