Terrorism, banditry hinder peace in W/Africa – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change, bad governance and other multi-faceted challenges have remained serious impediments to the peace, security and economic development in the West African sub-region.

He said this in his opening remark at the first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Monday.

He said the challenges had placed greater responsibility on the ECOWAS Parliament to continue to carry out its legislative functions with increased vigour, passion and commitment.

He assured the ECOWAS Parliament that Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to defending and promoting democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights in the West African sub-region.

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The speaker noted that despite the myriad of challenges confronting the West African sub-region, the ECOWAS Parliament had remained strong, resolute and committed to promoting the ideals of democratic governance, economic integration, peace and security.

He further said, “Since its establishment by the ECOWAS Treaty in 1975, the ECOWAS Parliament has no doubt contributed immensely to strengthening representative democracy, promoting and defending human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance in the sub-region. It has also been actively involved in promoting peace, security and stability.

“While I feel greatly delighted to commend the ECOWAS Parliament for these invaluable contributions, we must also acknowledge that these multifaceted challenges are still confronting the sub-region in new and complex dimensions.”

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the myriad of challenges in the West African sub-region can be surmounted if the ECOWAS Parliament is galvanised by the spirit of unity, innovation and unwavering belief in the sub-region’s shared destiny.

Akpabio also spoke while declaring open the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament at the National Assembly in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, said Akpabio was represented at the occasion by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

Akpabio said, “As we embark on the deliberations and discussions that lie ahead, let us remain steadfast in our optimism. The challenges we face are not insurmountable. With unity, innovation and an unwavering belief in our shared destiny, we can transform our collective aspirations into enduring achievements.

“In this session, let our conversations be driven by the spirit of partnership and collective ambition. Let us demonstrate that when West Africa stands united, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power.”