ECOWAS Parliament Investigates Recruitment Malpractice

The Right Honorable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has appointed an Independent Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of marginalization and malpractice against Nigerian candidates in the ongoing recruitment process at the ECOWAS Parliament.

This came following written complaints he received  from the 1st Deputy Speaker, Honorable Ahmed Idris Wase, and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise at the ECOWAS Parliament.

According to a statement from ECOWAS Parliament,  the Ad Hoc Committee shall investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct in the ongoing recruitment process at the ECOWAS Parliament; investigate allegations of marginalization of Nigerian Candidates in the current recruitment process;

And Investigate and determine if indeed the plenary adopted any Resolution concerning the subject matter (Recruitment of Staff), using normal parliamentary procedure.

The action of the Honorable Speaker is in conformity to Rule Thirty-three (33) and Thirty-four (34) of the Rules of Procedures of the Parliament which provides that a Special Committee may be set up to address specific matters. The Speaker, in response to pressing emergencies, can set up an Ad Hoc Committee, in consultation with the Bureau, and inform Parliament at its next Session.

According to a statement from ECOWAS Parliament, the Adhoc Committee would be headed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Chairman of the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Budget. Other Members of the Committee include:

1. Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu              – Nigeria
2. Hon. Fatoumatta Njai                      – The Gambia
3. Hon. Amadou Djibo Ali                     – Niger
4. Hon. Kounon Nahou Agbandao        -Togo
5. Hon. Caramo Camara                      -Guinea Bissau
6. Hon. Moussokora Chantal Fanny    – Cote d’ Ivoire

The work of the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to commence on August 22, 2022 and its findings are expected to be reported to the Honorable Speaker in one week, following which a Bureau meeting will be convened to consider the report for onward submission to the Plenary.

In the meantime, the Right Honourable Speaker has directed the suspension of the ongoing recruitment exercises, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Independent Adhoc Committee.

By Sallieu S. Kanu