Buhari pledges to restore political stability and security in West Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari pledged Nigeria's commitment to restoring democratic rule in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, and to ensuring peace and political stability in the West African sub-region.

Mr. Buhari made the pledge during the opening of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 2nd Ordinary Session of 2022 in Parliament on Monday in Abuja.

He said Nigeria is committed to supporting ECOWAS institutions to ensure that the countries of the region all return to constitutional order.

This is also when Mr. Buhari pledged his commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible ballots in Nigeria's 2023 general election.

"Allow me to reaffirm Nigeria's commitment to the efforts of ECOWAS, with the support of our partners, to maintain peace, security and political stability in the region.

“In this regard, Nigeria remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in restoring democratic rule in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

"We are convinced that the maintenance of democracy and the rule of law must remain the norm in this promising region.

"As you know, there will be multiple political activities in some ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria, where general elections are due to be held in February and March 2022.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and smooth transitions. This is a legacy that I want my administration to leave, not only to Nigeria, but to the region as a whole.

“At the regional level, Sierra Leone and Liberia are also preparing for elections. As in the past, Nigeria stands ready to support any country in the region that is committed to holding free and fair elections,” the President said.

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Mr. Buhari also noted that the global economic downturn has deeply affected the economies of the sub-region and resulted in severe economic hardship for the citizens of the community.

He urged ECOWAS parliamentarians to fulfill their sacred responsibility to scrutinize the community budget diligently, while bearing in mind the sacrifice of various countries in paying the community levy.

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He also asked them to remain aware of the many challenges that beset the region and to be sensitive to the needs of the people.

The President of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has denounced the unconstitutional seizure of power in the region.

Mr. Embalo expressed the commitment and determination of ECOWAS to ensure that constitutional order is restored in Burkina Faso, Guinea and others, still under the control of the military junta.

He also noted that there was a need to develop the region's economy to create more wealth for community members.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, during the session, otherwise known as the "Budget Session", mandated the Parliament, in accordance with its Supplementary Act, to consider the consolidated community budget.

Mr. Tunis said members of parliament have been tasked with ensuring that the budget is directed towards programs that meet the needs, aspirations and interests of the people they represent.

"As we carry out this overriding mission, let us keep in mind the challenges we face due to the urgent and impending crises in our community.

"We must show the will, the courage and the commitment to act in a way that has a positive impact on our region.

"Let me state that as a region, we face endless chaos and crises, which threaten the gains we have made in the recent past," Tunis said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the highlights of the 2nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in 2022 is the 2023 ECOWAS Community Budget dubbed “The Consolidation and Reforms Budget ".

The budget will focus on four strategic objectives: strengthening peace and security, deeper regional integration, good governance, inclusive and sustainable development.

(NAN)

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