The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas has on the 24 March, 2022 received delegation from the National Assembly of Niger.
Welcoming the delegation to the Parliament of Sierra Leone, in his office, the Deputy Speaker said they were related as Africans, but separated by colonialism. He expressed that as their ties and relationship become stronger than ever, they as Africans would tend to erase all the borders in the future and reunite.
“We are Africans and there is no reason while an African can go to other African counties and become uncomfortable” he maintained. He assured the delegation that, they would have the best hospitality endowed with African nature. “Welcome to Sierra Leone to enjoy the scenery of Freetown” he said and reassured that, they would make a return visit to Niger in the future .
“On behalf of Mr Speaker, my good self, entire leadership of Parliament, Members of Parliament and staff” he stated, you are welcome.
The head of delegation, Hon. Issaka Issoufou, who also doubles as Chairman of Finance and Budget as well as Former Finance Minister of Government in Niger thanked the Deputy Speaker and expressed happiness over the hospitality accorded them, since the arrived in Sierra Leone. He reiterated that, they are from home and arrived home again. “We are from Niger our home and arrived in Sierra Leone, our home again” He expressed appreciation for the hilarious welcome from the Deputy Speaker, President of Female Caucus, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the Director General of Parliament, Madam Finda Frazer, Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, Sheku Lamin Turay and others staff members.
The Head Delegation use the moment as an opportunity to disclose that, he is one of the champions for women empowerment in Niger and went on to inform that, women thrive on 30% quota in their governance.
Speaking about the purpose of their visit, Hon. Issaka Issoufou told the Deputy Speaker that, Niger is aspiring for the position of Presidency for the West Africa Association of Parliamentary Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), created by ECOWAS. He disclosed that, they were divided into two groups to undertake this tour, but would not visit countries that have been banned by ECOWAS, because of instability.
According to him, they are in Sierra Leone to present a goodwill message from their Speaker of the National Assembly of Niger to the Sierra Leone Speaker of Parliament regarding Niger aspiration for WAAPAC Presidency ahead of the upcoming General Assembly slated for April this year. The said position is currently headed by Togo deputized by Niger.
The President of Female Caucus Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay spoke about effort being made by women to achieve their 30% quota in governance.
Responding to delegation, Deputy Speaker assured them of translating the message to the Speaker. He also informed that the speaker is very considerate and would soon respond to them.
Also for women representation, he said they as a country are trying in that regard and would reach their counterpart.
“Be rest assured that we will treat this presentation with the kind of seriousness that it deserves” he stated went on to say, that Niger had always supported Sierra Leone.
Hon. Amina Saminou Laouali delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the delegation.
The visit was climaxed by the presentation of the Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly of Niger to the Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament and a conducted tour of the Parliament of Sierra Leone. The meeting was moderated by the Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations