ECOWAS Parliament: Bara’u advocates collaboration to promote democracy

The acting Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament), Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for strong collaboration between the community parliament and other ECOWAS institutions to promote democracy, strengthen security, and advance development in the West African sub-region.

Senator Barau made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the 2024 second extraordinary session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Kano.

He reiterated that the parliament was open to deliberations on all critical issues affecting the entire subregion with a view to proposing recommendations that will further unite and bond the people of the community.

He also advanced the cause for the independence of the community parliament to facilitate its oversight function and help strengthen democracy and good governance among member states.

The acting Speaker, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, further said the parliament is equally resolved to forestall the disintegration of ECOWAS over the departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from the regional bloc.

“I will, in consultation with my colleagues in the Bureau, be proposing the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee whose mandate will be to work with all stakeholders in getting our brothers to rescind their decision and come home and work towards promoting dialogue with a view to resolving conflicts in the region,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero; the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II; and the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, among others.