East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA), is seeking the support of ECOWAS and Nigeria for the emergence of Tanzania’s candidate as President of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The Speaker of the (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana made the call in Abuja at separate visits to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative, Benjamin Kalu anf President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray.
Mr Ntakirutimana said that the winning of Dr Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the Tanzanian National Assembly as President of the IPU is Victoria for the entire African continent.
The EALA Speaker said that since the existence of IPU over a 100 years, this is the first time Africa will be having the opportunity to lead, hence the plea for Nigeria and ECOWAS support, knowing how influential their voices were at the continental bloc.
“This is an opportunity that Africa must hold on to, so that we vote as Africa for this candidate for Africa,” NTAKIRUTIMANA said.
In his response, the deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, pledged the support of Nigeria to the Tanzanian aspiration, urging the candidate to make known her manifesto.
“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, we need to understand her vision, as we throw our support for her” Kalu stressed.
Also, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Mohammed Tunis affirmed that ECOWAS is about integration, and as such, the various regional bodies needs to come together to support the African Union which has endorsed Dr Tulia Ackson.
A member of the Tanzania Parliament Hon. MLOZI Richard, who was part of the delegation, gave assurance of Dr Tulia Ackson’s competence and capability to lead.
“She has had the opportunity of attending many meetings of the IPU and she understand the role of IPU in the world. She is also the President of African Geopolitical Group of 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, increase women’s participation.
Reporting by Idara Ukpanyang; editing by Julian Osamoto