Finally, ECOWAS Enhances the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament

Posted by African Examiner African News, Latest Headlines, News Monday, December 15th, 2014

”It is a monumental breakthrough”- Ekweremadu

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja – The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Monday finally adopted and signed into law the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The highest decision-making body of the ECOWAS, adopted and signed the Supplementary Act into law at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Authority in Abuja, thereby granting the ECOWAS Parliament a co-decision making status with the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, hailed the Supplementary Act as a “monumental breakthrough for the Community Parliament and the entire West African sub-region”.

An elated Ekweremadu, who also doubles as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate said: “For me and the entire ECOWAS Parliament, this is indeed a pleasant dream come through. It is a major breakthrough for the Community Parliament, democracy, good governance, accelerated integration, peace, and development in the entire sub-region.

“I am indeed short of words to describe my joy over this feat or express my profound gratitude to the Authority of Heads of State and Government under the Chairmanship of President John Dramani Mahama; the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, his able Vice, Macintosh Toga, the Council of Ministers, Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice of ECOWAS member states, Administration and Finance Committee, the entire membership of the ECOWAS Parliament, and indeed all sister institutions and organs as well as the press for their support, hard work, and commitment, which made this possible.”

Meanwhile, it could be recalled that although the ECOWAS Parliament was founded in the year 2000, it remained an advisory body until the adoption and signing into law of this Supplementary Act on Monday

However, by the provisions of this Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, the quest of which was revived under the leadership of Ekweremadu, the Community Parliament, in line with its co-decision making status, will now play greater role in the ECOWAS.

Itemising the new competences of the Parliament under the Supplementary Act, excerpts of Chapter 2 of the of the Legislation states: “The Parliament shall jointly with Council approve the Community Budget.

“The Parliament shall also exercise Parliamentary oversight functions over the activities of the institutions and organs of the Community, as laid down in this Supplementary Act without prejudice to Article 15 of the Revised Treaty.

“The Parliament shall confirm the appointment of Statutory Officers of the Community with the exception of Statutory Officers appointed directly by the Authority.

“In conformity with Article 9 of this Supplementary Act, the Parliament may consider any matter concerning the Community without prejudice to Article 15 of the Treaty”.

It further empowers the ECOWAS Parliament to “investigate or mediate any alleged violation Human Rights and may take any necessary measures to advocate and promote respect for Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms, without prejudice to Article 15 of the Treaty”.