President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to ensuring a free and fair and transparent election in Nigeria, adding that this is one legacy he will want his administration to bequeath, not only to Nigeria, but also to the rest of the region as a whole.
Speaking at the opening session of the 2022 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, the President said he was convinced that the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law should remain the norm in this promising region.
Acknowledging that some of the countries in the region, including Nigeria, will be engaged in political activities in 2023, the President expressed his commitment to bequeath a legacy of free, fair and credible polls to West Africa.
“As you are aware, there will be multiple political activities in some ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria, where general elections are due to hold in February and March 2022.”
“Let me seize this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and smooth transitions. This is one legacy that I want my administration to bequeath, not only to Nigeria, but also to the region as a whole.”
On the progress made so far by ECOWAS, Buhari commended the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Tunis, for what he described as commitment and sacrifice towards promoting regional integration as well as strengthening democracy and good governance in the sub-region.
therefore, urge you to perform your sacred responsibility of considering the Community budget with diligence, while bearing in mind the sacrifice of various countries in the payment of Community Levy.
He urged the second session of the ECOWAS Parliament to take cognizance of the global economic downturn which has deeply and adversely affected the economies of the sub-region and its people, when considering the community budget.
“I urge you to remain conscious of the many challenges besieging the region and be sensitive to the needs of the people.” Buhari advised.