President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of an emergency peace-support mission, following a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon
The request comes just 48 hours after mutinous soldiers briefly took over a television station in Cotonou before being overpowered by loyal security forces.
Tinubu’s appeal was contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a session broadcast live on National Assembly TV. The president said the mission was prompted by a direct call for help from the Beninese government.
In the letter, Tinubu wrote that Nigeria was being asked to provide urgent air support to help prevent further attempts to destabilise Benin’s democratic institutions. He noted that the situation required “exceptional and immediate” intervention.
Tinubu cited constitutional provisions and his consultations with the National Defence Council, stressing that Nigeria had both a regional responsibility and a longstanding bond with its neighbour.
He wrote, “The Government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and the disruption and destabilisation of democratic institutions. The situation, as reported by the Government of Benin, requires urgent external intervention.”
He added that Nigeria must stand by Benin in line with ECOWAS principles on collective security and regional stability. Tinubu urged the Senate to grant swift approval.
He ended the letter with assurances of his “highest consideration and personal regards.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Misplaced priority
SMH