seamlessict@gmail.com Nigeria has called for equity and fairness in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS institutions.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the two-day meeting of the ad-hoc ministerial meeting on the rotation of statutory appointees in ECOWAS.
“I want to, therefore, assure you that as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all Member States to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our community.
“In this context, our committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions.
“It is also essential that the aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organisation, are duly recognised and accommodated,” she said.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged members of the committee not to use their membership as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS Institutions.
“Rather, our engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritising the collective interest of the Community above national aspirations. In doing so, we will contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among our citizens,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said the meeting complies with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions.
“In addition, Article 14, paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act mandated the Council to recommend the allocation of the positions to the ECOWAS Authority based on a proposal to be submitted by the President of the Commission,” he said.
To facilitate this process, the 94th Ordinary Session of Council, in June, established the six-member ad hoc committee, comprising of the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, to review the proposed allocation of the Commission and submit it to Council for consideration, and ultimately to the ECOWAS Authority for decision.
“During this meeting, the Commission will be presenting a memo setting out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions for your consideration.
“The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.
“It is the expectation that the ad hoc committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart,” he said.
