Representative Moima Briggs Mensah strongly pushed back against criticism from a Nigerian delegate during a tense ECOWAS Parliament session focused on Liberia’s political and security climate.
The disagreement erupted after Nigerian lawmaker Awaji Abiante questioned the Liberian delegation for leaving out key national issues in its report, including the Guinea-Liberia border dispute and the controversy surrounding the expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah. Abiante argued that the omitted matters were important concerns that deserved attention before the regional parliament.
Responding sharply, Briggs Mensah accused the Nigerian delegation of applying double standards, insisting that Nigeria also struggles with major security and governance problems that were not adequately addressed.
She pointed to ongoing insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly Kaduna, where kidnappings and violent incidents continue to affect daily life.
“When you look in Kaduna and other places, kidnapping is happening every day. People are afraid to travel there. Is that not a security issue?” she asked during the heated debate.
The Bong County District 6 Representative also raised concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria, referencing the reported detention of a Nigerian blogger. She further criticized what she described as Nigeria’s dominant posture within the ECOWAS bloc.
“He who comes with equity must come with clean hands,” Briggs Mensah stated, drawing applause from several lawmakers in attendance.
She additionally questioned Nigeria’s financial commitment to ECOWAS, suggesting that past parliamentary challenges may have been connected to unpaid contributions from the regional giant.
The confrontation highlighted rising tensions within the ECOWAS Parliament as lawmakers continue to debate democracy, governance, and regional security issues affecting West Africa.
