By OMar Bah
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and 4th Deputy Speaker of the Ecowas Parliament, Billy G. Tunkara, has led a six-member delegation to the Republic of Togo on a three-day parliamentary diplomacy mission. The delegation is tasked with discovering why the Togolese Parliament was not represented at the inauguration of the New Ecowas Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria.
During the inauguration of the current Parliament, Togo was noticeably absent, causing journalists and community lawmakers to question their commitment to the Speakership position of the 6th Community Parliament. However, the delegation has received a reassuring commitment from Togo. They have pledged to send their delegation and Speaker to the upcoming first Ordinary Session of the current Parliament, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to regional integration.
During a recent phone interview with Myecowasnewsonline.com, Mr. Tunkara expressed his appreciation for the proactive measures taken by the delegation. He shared that they had productive discussions with the Speaker of the Togo Parliament regarding the gap created by Togo’s absence. According to Tunkara, they were assured that Togo is doing everything possible to ensure they can send their delegation once their parliamentary election is conducted on Monday, April 29, 2024. They will pledge their full cooperation with Parliament, and a speaker will be in place. Togo explained that they wanted to avoid sending a delegation during impending elections, as adjustments may need to be made if anyone loses. A reason they did not participate in the swearing-in of the 6th legislature.
Additionally, Tunkara shared that the Togolese Parliament has confirmed its commitment to Ecowas and the pursuit of regional integration. Moreover, we engaged with the UFC party, the primary opposition party, and the third opposition party to discuss the importance of working together to ensure peaceful elections. We urged them to send their delegations to take up their rightful positions.
