By Joy Omagha Idam
The ECOWAS Parliament has renewed its call for enhanced legislative and oversight powers, insisting that greater institutional authority is critical to making the regional legislature more representative and responsive to citizens of the sub-region.
The call came on Tuesday during an official visit to the Parliament by the President of Senegal and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
The visit provided a platform for both arms of the Community to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration, democratic governance and the strengthening of ECOWAS institutions.
Welcoming President Faye to the Parliament, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, lauded his leadership priorities for the region, particularly his focus on collective security, dialogue, regional cohesion, economic sovereignty and political stability.
She, however, drew attention to the long-standing institutional constraints facing the Parliament, 25 years after its establishment.
“However, 25 years after its creation, the ECOWAS Parliament remains essentially a consultative body and, up to this point, does not have all the prerogatives of a fully-fledged legislative body,” Ibrahima said.
According to her, strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament would enhance the credibility and legitimacy of ECOWAS institutions and position it to better contribute to the Community’s objectives.
She stressed the need to build a Parliament that is stronger, more representative and more effective in delivering on its mandate, while reaffirming its commitment to representative democracy, human rights, peace and security, as well as reforms aimed at bringing ECOWAS closer to its people.
Responding, President Faye commended the Parliament for its role in advancing regional integration, particularly in monitoring Community policies, conflict prevention, mediation and harmonisation of legislation.
He described the regional legislature as the “Assembly of the Peoples,” noting its vital role in promoting democracy, regional dialogue, political stability, peace and social cohesion.
“I would also like to highlight the important role of the ECOWAS Parliament within the sub-region as the Assembly of the Peoples,” the Senegalese President said.
President Faye assured the Parliament of his support in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, especially in implementing its plans of action.
He also accepted an invitation to address the Parliament at a subsequent plenary session, where he is expected to present his vision for the West African region.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Deputy President of the Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, welcomed the engagement, saying the visit could strengthen interaction between the Parliament and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“We greatly appreciate the attention you have devoted to our institution and your commitment to supporting the Parliament,” Jibrin said.
He called for sustained efforts to strengthen the role of the Parliament and foster closer relations between ECOWAS institutions and citizens.
The engagement further highlighted the need for adequate resources and stronger institutional support to enable the Parliament to effectively discharge its mandate, amid growing calls for a more responsive and citizen-driven regional integration process.