Ifeanyi Valentine, Frederick Idehai, Lome
A Nigerian Parliamentarian at the ongoing Extra-Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lome, Togo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji has expressed dismay over the high level extortion and corruption across the sub-region while scrutinising the COVID-19 status of traveller at entry points.
He said though, the scrutiny which is not only for Parliamentarians but for the entire ECOWAS citizens is appalling and disgusting as people are delayed unnecessarily despite presenting their certificates of immunization and other requirements.
"That type of scrutiny is a hindrance to the spirit of ECOWAS which involves free movement of goods and services(Persons).
"When you have such delay, it is discouraging even for foreign investors to think about coming to West Africa . So, we have to look into it.
"In some instances, you are made to part with five or ten dollars before you are attended to or delayed unnecessarily.
"This is the corruption we are talking about that must be discouraged as it is not obtainable in other climes" he said.
The lawmaker however, suggested ways to tackle the menace.
"The way forward is to adopt the procedures as it is done in other countries in Europe, once you have your COVID-19 card, everything is captured their, it gives you access to enter the country", he said.
The vice President of Liberia has challenged the ECOWAS Parliament to push for appropriate implementation of the community protocol on gender and human equality across regional and local governments. Vice President Jewel Taylor made this request while concluding her keynote address presented before the Plenary at the official opening of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament seating in Abuja. Jewel stated that Gender equality is a fundamental human right, yet women are underrepresented in power and decision making roles, women around the region do not fully experience equal rights and their potential as economic, social and sustainable change-agents remains untapped. She said “Excellency, special guest, distinguish members of the ECOWAS Parliament, as I close, permit me to say I will be remiss if I remain silent at this august gathering of regional leaders about the perennial issue of the lack of gender inequality in our local and regional body politics;
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