Former
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and African Union (AU) High
Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.
E. Olusegun Obasanji has called on
the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to reclaim its power and rightful place as the
voice of the African citizens at a time when the continent is dealing with
numerous challenges, especially on the peace and security front. He challenged
the PAP to harness its potential and be more visible on the continent.
H. E. Obasanjo made the call on
Tuesday at the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the
PAP in Midrand, held under the African Union theme for 2022: “Building
resilience in nutrition on the African continent: Accelerate the human capital,
social and economic development”.
“You
have power and you must not let anyone curtail your powers. For instance, you
can discuss, examine and make recommendations to policy organs on your own
initiative. You can discuss your budget and the budget of the African Union. Your
Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution
should be active and in the forefront of initiatives involving peace building
across continent as we try to contain instability in the face of
unconstitutional changes of government. There’s a lot to do if we are to
achieve peace and this body has a central role to play,” he said.
Going
down memory on the establishment of the PAP, H.E. Obasanjo reiterated the significance of the Continental
Parliament in the AU governance architecture. “The objectives for which the PAP
was established have not changed and the contribution of this Parliament is
required now more than ever. Indeed, it must be emphasized that the PAP is not
an unnecessary institution. It’s an institution that should be part and parcel
of the instruments that will lead us to the Promised Land,” said President Obasanjo.
“A
bird does not fly with one wing. For the AU to make progress, it should be able
to fly with its two wings – the Assembly of Heads of State and the Pan-African
Parliament”.
H.E. Obasanjo stated that he was encouraged
by the issues discussed by the Parliament prior to his arrival which included
the adoption of four (4) motions among which was a motion congratulating the
Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Tigray People’s Liberation Front on the
Signing of the Peace Agreement. The motion also congratulated the AU mediators
led by President Obasanjo for their
stewardship and impartiality which became a hallmark of this peace agreement.
On
the process that led to the peace agreement, H.E. Obasanjo said: “It wasn’t easy for us to achieve a Peace
Agreement in Ethiopia. The process is challenging, long and frustrating, but
because we were determined to see peace and stability in Africa, we managed to
bring together the warring parties to the table to convey our vision for a
united Ethiopia. We had to be neutral, friendly and appreciating to everyone
despite whatever reservations we had. I encourage you as the PAP to also
develop that spirit; the spirit that borders around resilience and focus.”
“I
am pleased that we have managed to create an environment in Ethiopia whereby
people who were foes can now live together. We are glad that all outstanding
disputes were resolved in a principled manner. I believe that if we managed to
resolve Ethiopian challenges then we can find solutions on other parts of
Africa,” he added.
In
his remarks, President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira hailed the role of President Obasanjo in Ethiopia and
across the continent and described his address to the PAP as historic and
testament to the Parliament’s revival.
“As
Africans we celebrate your efforts which have produced very good results in
Ethiopia. As the Chief negotiator, you have delivered peace in that country and
this is an incredible achievement. With people of your caliber, Africa is in
good hands,” said H.E Hon. Charumbira.
He
briefed the former Nigeria’s President on motions adopted by the PAP that
morning which included motion on DRC-Rwanda conflict, motion on illegal
sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its allies, motion and solidarity and
support to the Government and people of Mozambique in dealing with terrorism
challenges and motion on Uganda Oil project motion.
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