Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis has lauded Nigeria over the smooth conduct of political party primaries across all levels.
Tunis who gave the commendation during the opening of the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the Parliament on Thursday in Abuja also urged the Nigerian government, political parties and the citizens to sustain the tempo as the world looks forward to Nigeria in conducting a free, fair and credible general elections in the year 2023.
His words: “I wish to congratulate the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the political class, for the successful conduct of their primaries of the two major political parties.
“We acknowledge the complexities of the Nigerian society; hence we admire the maturity and tolerance exhibited so far.
“As we inch closer to full scale political activities, let me seize this opportunity to advice all actors on the need for additional tolerance in this anxious period of full-scale political activities.
“The sub-region and indeed the whole world looks up to Nigeria and expects a successful, as well as free, fair and peaceful election in early 2023,” Tunis said.
The ECOWAS speaker also said that 2023 will be a pivotal one for the sub-region as Member States, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra-leone would be conducting their general elections.
According to Tunis, the role of the ECOWAS Parliament in ensuring successful democratic process cannot be overemphasized hence the need for long engagements before election days.
He said, “May I remind us that 2023 will be very pivotal for democracy across the region. With elections scheduled to hold in three Member States; the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“Our role in ensuring that the democratic processes are conducted in a way that guarantees the best possible outcomes cannot be overemphasized.
“In coordination with the ECOWAS Commission, we must begin our engagements long before the polling day to ensure successes in all the three Member States,” Tunis said.
Recall that the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament from June 9 to July 2 seeks to deliberate on draft community regulations emanating from the Commission.
The Parliamentarians will also discuss issues bothering on examining community strategies targeted at improving governance.
It will also address issues of unconstitutional change of governance, insecurity, and proffer solutions towards democratic consolidation in the sub-region.
