Peace
By Sallieu S. Kanu
State House, Freetown, Friday 2 February 2024 –President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received a cross-section of members from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Parliament who recognised his role in the many national and regional peace efforts and for serving with humility.
Headed by Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, and the First Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase the legislators from the different countries said they were also there to present the President with a frame of appreciation for his leadership, describing his humility in service as exceptional.
The First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament and former Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Wase, thanked President Bio for his good work in Sierra Leone as well as in the sub-region. He praised his commitment and high interest in the region, particularly during their tenure, saying they had greatly benefited from his support.
“We have a lot to copy from you. We pray that many young Africans will copy from you as well. You are among the men of character who have served and are still serving. I wish to have another opportunity to learn from you. You have served in many capacities, globally and in the region, with that same humility and good conduct. Thank you very much,” he said.
President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the ECOWAS Members of Parliament and said he was always happy and proud to host them in the country, pointing out that their visits to other member states were part of an integration process.
He said it was an indication that the MPs were keen on the integration process as a continent, stressing that it took ordinary people to actualise that dream. He thanked the leadership of the ECOWAS Parliament for wworking to make that distant dream a reality.
The President also noted that the sub-region and the continent, in particular, had a lot to gain from conducting movements from within and across borders.
He explained how proud and happy he was to be a host to the final Parliamentary Sessions that would bring an end to the present tenure. He congratulated all the Members of Parliament for serving the sub-region and for working with the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, a Sierra Leonean.