The inauguration formally marked the commencement of business for the Sixth Legislature, following the end of the Fifth Legislature on 8th March 2024.
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara (Kantora), head of the delegation, Hon. Alhagie S. Darbo (Brikama North), Hon. Amadou Camara (Nianija), Hon. Sheriff Sarr (Jeshwang) and Hon. Maimuna Ceesay (nominated) pledged their commitment before the Chairman of the Authority to serve the interest of the West African sub-region alongside other newly elected representatives from ECOWAS member states.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, convened the inaugural session of the ECOWAS Parliament – the House of Representatives of the community's people – at its headquarters in Abuja.
Giving the solidarity remarks, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, outgoing Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, reminded new members that there remains several pressing issues that are shaping the socio-political landscape of the sub region which require their prompt and robust actions. These challenges he said include issues ranging from the high cost of living, threat to democratic governance, security challenges, consolidating peace and strengthening regional solidarity as well as the multitude of challenges that are impacting the well-being of our youthful population.
“While it is customary for each legislature to set its own agenda, I passionately appeal that the campaign for the election of members into the ECOWAS Parliament by direct universal suffrage remains at the top of your agenda. The 5th Legislature raised a lot of awareness about the matter, and I can only hope that the 6th Legislature will strengthen the fight for direct election, as it is a requirement for representative governance,” he stated.
