News:
June 1, 2021
The Republic of Niger received commendation from ECOWAS lawmakers for paying its Community Levy religiously.
Leader of delegation, Boukari Sani Malam Chaibou presenting his country’s report was praised by the community MPs for the manner in which Niger had paid its Community Levy to the extent that, they have over paid, and now ECOWAS owes them.
Mr. Muhamed Magassy, a member of the Gambian delegation expressed satisfaction in this direction and further commended Niger for its peaceful transition.
This, the second Deputy Speaker Chaibou, explained to the plenary that his country takes payment of the Community Levy very serious since that would help ECOWAS survive, and the institution is their priority, and it is important to protect the Parliament and the Commission.
MPs, however, expressed reservations in other developments in Niger, and hope things can change for the better. Some contributors were worried that the opposition in Niger is not allowed to demonstrate, while others also think not much is done to increase the number of females in politics.
Again, the issue of early marriage of the girl-child came to play as the female MPs in particular expressed worry and wanted to know if efforts were in place to reduce the practice. There was also a call on the country to put measures in place to allow its citizens in the diaspora to participate in their electoral system.
On the issue of insecurity in Niger, the Leader of the delegation noted that he is unable to comment because it has security implications.
Again, he stated that demonstrations in Niger had to be backed by law, and further pointed out that if one holds illegal demonstration, one needs to face the music and is the reason why some people have been arrested and are in prison.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com/Abuja