In an emotion ladden speech, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis delivered a heartfelt closing address to bid Farewell to his four-year term as Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament’s First Extraordinary Session in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
While celebrating accomplishments and expressing gratitude, he concluded with a surprising request for forgiveness.
“I am a happy Speaker, because through your invaluable support…the citizens of the Community are today benefiting from your recommendations.
“The mere mortal that I am, I can only ask for your indulgence.”
Tunis expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues, Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio, and the people of Sierra Leone for their hospitality and support.
“Having given my very best to serve the interests of the Community citizenry.”
“To conclude, permit me to say once again, a big thank you to all the Honourable Members, together with whom, for four good years, we did our best to see the sacred wish of our ancestors.”
Analysis:
He highlighted successful completion of the session’s agenda, emphasizing contributions to promoting integration and informing the Authority of Heads of State.
“Having placed at the centre of my mandate the issue of election of MPs by universal suffrage…”
In a moving gesture, Tunis acknowledged potential missteps and sought forgiveness: “Forgive me if, at certain times, I may have offended some of my colleagues or anyone,” he humbly pleaded “The sense of responsibility and the passion to always serve you well may have led me to actions which could, unfortunately, have been misinterpreted.”
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