By Abba -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
In a bold call to action, Deputy Senate President Jibril I. Barau has stressed that West African nations must prioritize strengthening their democratic institutions to effectively counter the rising tide of political and security challenges facing the region.
Senator Barau made the call on Thursday while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at this year’s Voice of Nigeria (VON) forum in Abuja, according to a press release signed by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity. He emphasized that despite notable strides made in the sub-region’s democratic journey, there remains a pressing need to further fortify democratic institutions, ensuring they remain robust and adaptable in the face of emerging challenges.
The theme of this year’s VON Forum was “51 years of Nigeria’s role in deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS”. The event attracted key figures from the media industry, parliamentarians, diplomats, heads of agencies, and traditional rulers, among others.
Senator Barau emphasized that parliamentary institutions play a critical role in sustaining democratic governance, serving as guardians of accountability, transparency, and constitutional order. He assured that the National Assembly will continue to play a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting legislative oversight.
The Deputy Senate President noted that Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS is both a privilege and a responsibility, and that the country must continue to lead through example, partnership, and principled commitment to democratic values.
He also highlighted the importance of the media in shaping the global narrative about Africa, saying that credible media institutions remain indispensable to the preservation of democratic culture.
Senator Barau urged stakeholders to recognize that the work of strengthening democracy is a continuous responsibility, and that their collective task is to ensure that democratic institutions remain strong, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people.
He emphasized that the future of West Africa depends on the shared commitment to peace, democratic governance, and regional solidarity.
The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s contributions to ECOWAS over the past 51 years and to discuss ways to deepen democratic stability in the sub-region.
Senator Barau’s remarks were seen as a call to action for West African countries to prioritize democratic governance and institutional strengthening.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including parliamentarians, diplomats, and traditional rulers, who shared their insights on the importance of democratic stability in the sub-region.
The forum concluded with a call for continued commitment to democratic values and regional cooperation, with participants urging stakeholders to work together to build a more stable and prosperous West Africa.
