The Economic Community of West African States’ {ECOWAS} parliament, yesterday, expressed dismay over the high rate of insecurity in Nigeria as a result of the activities of? Boko Haram.
It observed that the ugly development was a source of worry to nations within the sub region.
Speaker of the Parliament? and Nigeria’s? Deputy senate president, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, in a chat with reporters , yesterday,? in Enugu during? the? opening? ceremony of a 5- day workshop on ECOWAS budgetary procedures? organised? by the parliament for her members in the committee on administration , finance and budget control, noted that whatever? that affected Nigeria affected other countries of the sub regions because it was a major player in the African continent .
He disclosed that the parliament deliberated on the activities of Boko Haram in its previous session and said that there was need to prevent the menace from spreading to other neighbouring countries.?
Ekweremadu,? who spoke through the? 4th deputy speaker? of the parliament? and member representing Ghana, Michael Teye Ngammu, however, urged the federal government to do every thing within its powers to tackle the menace which he said, remained a serious problem and threat to the nation.
“Nigeria is a big brother of other West African States and that is why we in the ECOWAS parliament are very concerned and worried over the Boko Haram problem,” he said.
On the issue of the proposed common currency for member States, the lawmaker disclosed that the idea, if realised, would be wonderful as it would go a long way in boosting economic activities in the region.
Earlier in his address, ECOWAS parliament chairman in charge of?? the committee on Administration, Finance and budget control, Hon. Farouk Lawan, had explained that the forum was part of the organisation’s commitment to ensuring full realisation of the West African integration process.????
Lawan, who was represented by the deputy chairman of the committee, Hon. Djibs Ali of Nije Republic, said “it is worth emphasising that the delocalised meetings organised by ECOWAS parliament are aimed, inter alia, at building closer ties between the people of the said region”. ??