President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday observed that the global economic downturn has negatively affected countries in the West African subregion causing serious hardship to its citizens.
Speaking at the opening session of the 2022 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he, therefore, urged the legislature to consider its budget with diligence and bear in mind the various contributions the countries make in terms of levies.
The president commended the speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Sidie Tunis, for what he said is the commitment and sacrifice he is making towards promoting regional integration and strengthening democracy and good governance in our sub-region.
Buhari noted the progress that has been made by the ECOWAS Parliament since the inception of the 5th Legislature, in March 2020.
He added: “Specifically, your contributions to the efficient and effective implementation of the objectives and policies of the Community, including the strengthening of representative democracy, have been outstanding.
President Buhari reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS efforts, with the support of the nation’s partners to keep the region peaceful, secure and politically stable.
He noted that in this regard, Nigeria remains committed to supporting ECOWAS to restore democratic rule in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
While noting that some of the countries in the region including Nigeria, will be engaged in political activities in 2023, the President also expressed his commitment to bequeath a legacy of free, fair and credible polls to West Africa.
“We are convinced that the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law should remain the norm in this promising region.
“As you are aware, there will be multiple political activities in some ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria, where general elections are due to hold in February and March 2023.
