The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has constituted an Independent Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of marginalization and malpractice against Nigerian Candidates in the ongoing recruitment process.
Dr. Tunis so directed the suspension of the ongoing recruitment exercises, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Independent Adhoc Committee.
The investigation became necessary following a written complaints from the 1st Deputy Speaker ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, and the Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise at the ECOWAS Parliament.
The Communication Division of the ECOWAS Parliament in a statement said the action of the Speaker is in conformity with Rule Thirty-three (33) and Thirty-four (34) of the Rules of Procedures of the Parliament which provides that a Special Committee may be set up to address specific matters.
According to the statement, “The Speaker, in response to pressing emergencies, can set up an Ad Hoc Committee, in consultation with the Bureau, and inform Parliament at its next Session.
The Adhoc Committee would be headed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Chairman of the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Budget. Other Members of the Committee include: Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu – Nigeria, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai – The Gambia, Hon. Amadou Djibo Ali – Niger, Hon. Kounon Nahou Agbandao -Togo, Hon. Caramo Camara -Guinea Bissau, Hon. Moussokora Chantal Fanny – Cote d’ Ivoire, and Mr. Arboncana Oumarou Dicko – Clerk to the Committee
“The Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Committee shall be as follows:
Investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct in the ongoing recruitment process at the ECOWAS Parliament. Investigate allegations of marginalization of Nigerian Candidates in the current recruitment process.
And investigate and determine if indeed the plenary adopted any Resolution concerning the subject matter (Recruitment of Staff), using normal parliamentary procedure.
“In the execution of its mandate, the Committee shall be granted access to all documents relating to the recruitment exercise and work with the Advisory Committee on Recruitment and Promotions at the ECOWAS Parliament, to under-study and review the exercise.
The Adhoc Committee would be guided by the provisions of the Supplementary Act and the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. The work of the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to commence on 22nd August 2022 and its findings are expected to be reported to the Hon. Speaker in one week, following which a Bureau meeting will be convened to consider the report for onward submission to the Plenary”.
The ECOWAS Parliament, under the leadership of Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, affirmed its stern commitment to fair labour practices and is devoted to upholding and protecting the rights of all citizens of the Community to aspire for positions in any Community Institution, in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations and all related Protocols.
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