East Africa seeks ECOWAS, Nigeria’s support for Tanzania

Hon. Joseph NTAKIRUTIMANA, Speaker of the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA), has advocated the support of ECOWAS and Nigeria for the emergence of Tanzania’s candidate as President of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Joseph made the call on Thursday in Abuja during separate visits to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray.

Joseph said that “the election of Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the Tanzanian National Assembly, as President of the IPU is a win not just for East Africa but for the entire African continent.”

The EALA Speaker, during his visit to Kalu, said that ”since the existence of IPU over 100 years ago, this is the first time Africa will have the opportunity to lead.”

He said that East Africa was seeking Nigeria’s and ECOWAS's support, knowing how influential their voices were in the continental bloc.

“We came to Nigeria to see ECOWAS and you to campaign. The IPU has been there for more than 100 years, and Africa has never had a chance to get the Presidency of this institution.

“Now, Africa has a candidate, the Speaker of the Tanzania Parliament, Dr. Tulia Ackson, who has been endorsed by the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We came to get the support of ECOWAS and you, who are a member of ECOWAS, so that our candidate can be voted for.

“This is an opportunity that Africa must hold on to so that we vote as Africa for this candidate for Africa,” NTAKIRUTIMANA said.

Kalu, who pledged the support of Nigeria and ECOWAS Parliamentarians to Ackson, said that the role of Nigeria in Tanzania winning the election could not be overemphasised, adding that Ackson must promote the interests of Africa as IPU’s President.

He said that Ackson must foster the dreams of African citizens to reinforce unity and overcome the challenges of the continent.

“We are all one people; we must take steps to reinforce that unity. With unity, we can deal with many challenges, including slowing economic growth. We must not allow this to continue in the near future.

“We want you to inform her that Nigeria has a big role to play in her aspiration, and they need to get to know more about her manifesto and what she is taking to the IPU, cannot be overemphasised.

”We need to understand her vision and mission for the IPU as we throw our support towards her, Kalu said.

Tunis also told Kalu that ECOWAS was about integration, and as such, the various regional bodies needed to come together to support the African Union.

The ECOWAS Speaker said that on the issue of the candidacy, ECOWAS as a bloc was happy to know that Ackson had been endorsed by the AU.

“In West Africa, Nigeria is the leader; Nigeria in ECOWAS is like the United States in the UN. That is why we are always available to work with them, the National Assembly, and we have continued to receive their support,” Tunis said.

Receiving NTAKIRUTIMANA earlier, Tunis pledged the support of the ECOWAS Parliament to Tulia’s candidature, adding that it is an opportunity that would be in the best interest of Africa.

“We believe it is time for Africa to come up. If we can have somebody like that, our own Africa, lead a body of the IPU, it will be in the interest of Africa and every African.

“It is our responsibility as ECOWAS to take the message to all the Member states,” Tunis added.

Hon. MLOZI Richard, member of the EALA representing Tanzania, assured of Ackson’s competence and capability, adding that she would be the voice of the entire region and the women.

“We are here in Nigeria to seek all your support for Dr. Tulia Acknson to be the President of the IPU.

“She has had the opportunity to attend many meetings of the IPU, and she understands the role of the IPU in the world. She is also the President of the African Geopolitical Group of the IPU.

“Women have been marginalised in top decision-making positions, so if she is elected to be President of IPU, that will bring progress and empowerment and increase women’s participation.

“Dr. Tulia Ackson is a very committed person, and I am sure she will be able to do this job very well,” Richard said.