In a historic move, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has elected Hajiya Maimounatou Ibrahima as its first female Speaker. The election took place on Thursday during the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature in Kano.
Ibrahima, who hails from Togo, was unanimously elected by the over 112-member parliament during plenary. She will steer the affairs of the ECOWAS Parliament for the next four years, until 2028. The session, presided over by the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislature and Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, witnessed jubilant celebrations by female parliamentarians who broke into solidarity songs following the election.
In her acceptance speech, the new Speaker vowed to initiate comprehensive reforms to enhance the functioning of the ECOWAS Parliament and fulfill its mandate. She highlighted the political and security challenges facing the sub-region, including high unemployment, climate change, and the resurgence of terrorism in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Ibrahima confirmed the parliament’s commitment to forming a mediation committee to engage with the aggrieved nations of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, aiming to address the issues that led to their departure from ECOWAS. “This move demonstrates our brotherhood and openness in resolving the conflicts that have caused the exit of these three countries from ECOWAS,” she stated.
The Speaker also outlined plans for other reforms, including developing the skills of women and youth to combat radicalisation. “We will also formulate a communication policy and collaborate with the media to foster interaction between our people and the parliament,” she added.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception in Nigeria, Ibrahima thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their hospitality towards the parliament.
