Evolution of Ecowas Parliament and the Prospect of Legislative Integration of West Africa: A Study in Legal History

Abstract

It appears the legislative and judicial organs of the ECOWAS and their activities are not yet known to the majority of citizens of the West African States. Some politicians who aspire to represent their people at the National Assembly may not be aware of the existence of ECOWAS Parliament and ECOWAS Court of Justice until they get into the Legislative House. Similarly, some security and law enforcement agencies seem not to be aware of these institutions and their functions. The likely consequences of this ignorance are exploitation, intimidation, human rights abuses, delay and denial of justice by government officials or by the citizens themselves. The aim of this study, therefore, is to create awareness about the ECOWAS Parliament. To achieve this aim, the study set five objectives, namely, to examine why the establishment of Parliament was delayed: analyse the steps taken to establish the Parliament, discuss composition, jurisdiction, election and immunity of members; discuss its Standing Committee and analyse the challenges and prospects of the Parliament. Using historical descriptive approach, the study interrogates a combination of primary and secondary sources of information and reveals, among other things, that the Parliament is one of the newest arms of the ECOWAS. Its establishment was delayed because the maiden ECOWAS Treaty (1975) did not make provision for it. Many Members-States, including Nigeria, were under military rule; just as many were not ready to surrender their legislative and political sovereignty. The Parliament is facing some challenges, including its advisory role status without powers to make laws. However, the Parliament will serve as a forum for conflict resolution and promoter of democracy in West Africa.