Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D has urged his colleagues on the continent of Africa to work closely to promote unity and uphold the principles of democracy.
Speaker Abbas made the call during an online meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Legislatures (CoSHAL) on Monday according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu on Monday.
Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the online meeting, Speaker Abbas stated that CoSHAL stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the continent.
It could be recalled that the parliamentary body was established at the instance of the former speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and 6 other Speakers from across Africa including Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Rwanda, Kenya and Ethiopia during COVID-19 to collaboratively and effectively fight the scourge in Africa.
The Speaker said,”Rt. Hon. Colleagues, at no time in recent history has it been more crucial for Africa and its nations to work closely to uphold shared values of inclusive democracy. With a common agenda, we must develop our continent and protect our collective interests on the global stage. Therefore, unity, coordination and collaboration are essential for us to engage more constructively and profitably in the global marketplace.
“Accordingly, the role that organisations such as CoSHAL can play in facilitating all the above cannot be overstated. As the indigenous platform of the protectors of our democracy – the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Legislatures (CoSHAL) stands as a rallying point and a beacon of hope and progress for our continent.
“Since the inception of CoSHAL during the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa has encountered numerous challenges, including democratic backsliding in the West African sub-region, economic crunches across the continent, and heightened geopolitical tensions globally, particularly with the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, amongst others.
“These are moments where a fully functional CoSHAL is needed to play a critical role in advocating for peace, security, stability and democracy, guiding, advising, legislating and influencing outcomes in the best interest of our continent.
“Therefore, given CoSHAL’s importance to our continent’s future and in acknowledgment of the foresight of the distinguished legislators, who championed its inception, I say categorically that the Office of the 10th Speaker and indeed the Nigeria House of Representatives of Nigeria will continue to support, engage and play an active role in CoSHAL. The baby may have been born in Nigeria but it belongs to Africa and we all must work together to bring it up. As such, we must build on the momentum we have garnered to bequeath the CoSHAL that our forebearers envisioned – one that is an integral contributor to Africa’s development.”
The Speaker also called for the speedy ratification of the body’s constitution to enable it achieve its objectives.
“I furthermore encourage the speedy ratification and adoption of the Constitution and the recommendations presented by the Secretariat for the administrative and operational structure of CoSHAL. This will equip us with machinery that is fit-for-purpose, capable of advocating for the democratic values that CoSHAL imbibes – while confidently espousing and robustly defending the interest of Africa both at home and abroad”, he said.
