ECOWAS seeks to shame countries flouting court’s rulings

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it plans to name and shame countries that have not regarded the decisions and rulings of its institutions.

This is coming in view of the flagrant disregard for the rulings and decisions of the Community Court of Justice by member-states since the establishment of the court.

President of the Court, Justice Amaoko Asante, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday that he had sought to make presentations at the Summit of Heads of State where he can name such countries that are in violation of the court.

Asante, who spoke on the sidelines of a valedictory session in honour of members of workers who were retiring from service, said the disregard for the court’s ruling had remained a cause for concern.

“The issue of implementing the court’s judgments is an issue which leaves a little more to be desired. We are pushing them, writing to them, reminding them, reminding the commission.

“It is the Commission President’s duty to ensure that they are done.

“Therefore, judgments are normally served on him and served on parties and the countries that are to do the enforcements; some are very adamant, but we are still pushing them. We have presented to Council that it should let the court present its report at the summit.

“When the President of the Court stands there to present his report, he is going to name and shame countries that are not complying with the judgments of the court.

“We feel that if they are able to accede to this request of ours and they do it, things will change,” he said.

NAN reports that the retiring staff members include: Chief Registrar, Mr. Tony Anene; Principal Legal Officer, Mrs. Franca Ofor; an Accountant, Mr. Apenteng Takyako; a translator, Mrs. Mariama Gouro and a secretary, Mrs. Elisaberth Ashalley.

NAN also reports that retirement at the court is upon the attainment of 62 years of age or 35 years in service, whichever comes first.