By Adoba Echono
The Speaker Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, stated the important thing parts of the 2024 price range of the Community Parliament might be directed in the direction of supporting girls and youth growth.
Dr. Tunis disclosed this whereas declaring open the Second Extraordinary Session of the fifth Legislature in Winneba, Ghana, which is devoted to the consideration and adoption of the 2024 Draft Budget of the Community Parliament.
According to Speaker Tunis, the fifth Legislature, below his stewardship, has by no means wavered in its dedication to fund packages that affect straight on the group residents, particularly girls and Youths; whilst he assured {that a} second international summit for girls and youths might be held in December.
He additional expressed hope within the institution of ECOWAS Youth Parliament which in keeping with him would result in extra youth involvements and participations in political establishments within the sub-region and likewise sway then away from vices.
Dr. Tunis acknowledged: “Earlier this 12 months, we hosted the ECOFEPA Global Summit by means of direct budgetary allocation from the Parliament’s Budget. As a results of the successes recorded and testimonies obtained from the beneficiaries, I’m happy to announce that provision has been made within the 2024 price range to host a Second Global Summit for Women and Youths throughout our area earlier than the top of this Legislature.
“I’m conscious that in December of 2023, throughout our Second Ordinary Session, ECOFEPA is predicted to elect a brand new corps of Officers. Whoever emerges as the following President, please be assured of our unflinching help in attaining this and different gender-sensitive packages.
“I additionally consider that contemplating the current political developments throughout the area, specializing in youth, when it comes to their engagement in an organized discussion board, is extraordinarily well timed and will sway them away from the temptation of participating in vices which can be detrimental to their general growth. With that stated, we’re absolutely ready to advertise the
institution of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament. We are satisfied that an ECOWAS Youth Parliament may function the muse for youth illustration in formal political establishments corresponding to Parliaments, Political Parties, and different Public Institutions. The ECOWAS Parliament stands able to work with the youths of our area in bringing collectively all of the completely different Youth Assemblies with like imaginative and prescient and function below one umbrella, geared toward establishing the ECOWAS Youth Parliament”.
The Speaker tasked all members of the parliament to pay shut consideration to the context wherein they discover themselves as a area by defending the dividends of democracy, whilst he prayed that democracy might be allowed to outlive within the West African area.
“The Budget, in concrete phrases, is the monetary expression of our participation and dedication to the event and integration technique of our area.
“The Parliament’s Budget offers the means to implement our actions contained within the establishment’s strategic plan. It additionally contributes, in a significant approach, to
the preservation of democracy and peace, that are the basic precursors of financial growth and integration.
“As you rigorously study the chapters and headings of the draft price range that might be submitted to you, I problem you, Honorable Members, to pay shut consideration to the context wherein we discover ourselves as a area. We have the ethical obligation, like by no means earlier than, to work in the direction of defending the dividends of democracy, together with freedom and justice, peace and safety, accountability and financial prosperity. It is my perception, hope, and prayer that democracy might be allowed to prevail
within the West African sub-region to propel the extent of growth we so need for ourselves and our folks,” Tunis acknowledged.
More than ever the Speaker advocated for democratically elected governments which should respect the rule of regulation and make sure that the dividends get to the folks. This he stated is “the way to go”.
According to Dr. Tunis, regardless of the challenges confronted by democracy within the area, It is within the curiosity of members of parliament to align with, defend and promote the sacred values of democracy.
“There is, additionally, the compelling want for democratically elected governments to serve within the curiosity of the folks by guaranteeing that the advantages of democracy, which we so cherish, unfold throughout the size and breadth of our nations for the folks to really feel the impact of the democracy we regularly advocate. Leaders should perceive that
constitutional engineering to perpetuate themselves in energy is an infringement on the sovereign will of the folks, a transparent violation of their mandate to rule, and a setback in democratic growth and
consolidation.
“Leaders within the sub-region should respect the rule of regulation and constitutionalism by strengthening the democratic establishments and companies that facilitate these; promote, and defend the inalienable human rights of the folks, educate the plenty on the significance of democracy, and make sure that the robust democratic establishments maintain the navy accountable to civilian rule.
‘I need to point out that I maintain a rare perception within the progress and growth of this Community, that we’ll flip the tide and return to the trail of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of regulation, that are ever so predictable and maintain the important thing to our frequent good as a folks. Notwithstanding the challenges that democracy is dealing with around the globe and in our sub-region, I really maintain that it’s nonetheless the one system that provides alternatives for progress and prosperity” he reiterated.
The Parliament thought of and adopted the draft agenda and draft work programme of the 2023 Second Extraordinary Session, and the draft Report of the 2023 First Virtual Extraordinary Session.
Also, Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Sarah Emmerson Lamina, parliamentarians from Sierra Leone have been sworn in by the speaker as members of the ECOWAS Parliament.
