By Vincess Okushi
SEEK BETTER WAYS TO AMELIORATE SUFFERINGS IN NIGER
Following a military standby declaration by the chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the Nigerien Coup, members of the Parliamentarians have harped on the need for dialogue as a mediation committee set up for fruitful engagement with the military coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Speaking at the first virtual session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the first deputy Hon. Idris Wase from Nigeria and other members of the Parliament said the use of military force as proposed by the Chair of the heads of state should be the last option adding that dialogue is still the best approach as it has been done in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, adding that military intervention could have severe damage on citizens socially and economically.
On his part, a member of the parliament from Niger Republic, Hon Salou DJibo laments the hardship melted on the citizens as a result of the ECOWAS sanctions and appeals for dialogue to ease the citizen’s burden.
Speaking earlier in his opening speech, Speaker of the Parliament Hon. Sidie Tunis hinted that Article 4 of the supplementary Act mandate the parliament to contribute to the efficient and effective implementation of objectives and policies of the community.
The Objective of Article 4, of the Parliament shall be to contribute to the efficient and effective implementation of objectives and policies of the community.
Strengthen representative democracy in the community.
Ensure the right of scrutiny and involvement of the West African populations in the process of integration of the region
Contribute to the promotion of peace, security, and stability in the West African region.
The event which had cross-session didn’t end with resolution but instituted a committee led by Hon. Idris Wase and other members of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians to find a lasting solution to the Coup in Niger even as they are expected to convene virtually in the next two day.
