He also noted that there is need to expand the economy of the region to creat more wealth for community members.
Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis said, that the session, otherwise known as the “Budget Session”, mandates the Parliament, in accordance with its Supplementary Act, to consider the Consolidated Community Budget.
Tunis said that Members of the Parliament have been tasked to ensure that the Budget is directed towards programs that address the needs, aspirations and interest of the people they represent.
“In discharging this all-important assignment, let us bear in mind the challenges we face from urgent and looming crises in our Community.
“We must summon the will, courage and commitment to act in ways that will impact positively on our region.
“Permit me to state that as a region, we are confronted with unending chaos and crises, which are threatening the gains we have made in the recent past,” Tunis said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the focus of the 2022 2nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament is on the ECOWAS Community Budget 2023 dubbed “The Budget of Consolidation and Reforms.
The Budget will be focused on four strategic objectives: Enhanced Peace and Security, Deeper Regional Integration, Good Governance, Inclusive and Sustained Development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given assurance that its allegiance and loyalty are to Nigerians in 2023 general elections, warning staff against compromise.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave this assurance at the opening of a two-day Induction Retreat for the commission’s Administrative Secretaries in Lagos on Monday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat is organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In his opening remarks, Yakubu, who was represented by Mr Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner, Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC) said that the retreat was part of the preparation of INEC for the 2023 general elections.
According to him, over the last 23 years since the return of democratic rule, the commission has recorded a steady progress with the nation’s elections getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process increasing.
“Let me repeat once again that the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections.
“It is in this respect that I want to warn all members of staff of the commission to be neutral and professional in their conduct during the forth coming election, ” Yakubu said.
He said that since 2011 general elections, the reliance on new knowledge and experience gathered from the conduct of previous elections, enhancing electoral integrity and improving voter experience through innovations, planning and technology had guided INEC through several elections.
“Consequently, our elections have become better, electoral outcomes less contentious and less stressful, ” he added.
Yakubu said that with the first poll in 2023 general elections remaining 88 days, there was the need, more than ever, for the commission to remain focused and deliver a successful general election.
“This retreat, is therefore, an opportunity to not only bring our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) up to date about preparations, procedures and requirements for a successful election but also get the commitment of our Administrative Secretaries towards attaining the highest level of efficiency in implementing the strategies outlined for a successful 2023 general election.
“In this regard Administrative Secretaries are expected to be effective coordinators and provide timely progress reports and highlight challenges to proactively addressed without affecting relevant timelines,” he said.
Yakubu said that the Administrative Secretaries were also expected to fully support their respective RECs to ensure the effective coordination and deployment of men and materials focused mainly on delivering expected outcomes.
He urged state offices of INEC to have regular reassessment of preparedness to identify and address possible bottlenecks and as well update the relevant authorities of the commission.(NAN)
