Governors Forum praise Tinubu for swift intervention in Benin, as Senate approves deployment of Nigerian troops to Cotonou
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has praised President Bola Tinubu for the rapid deployment of Military assets to foil the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing the action as being firmly in Nigeria’s national interest.
In a statement, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq warned that a successful coup in Benin would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, as militants and hostile non-state actors in the Sahel region could exploit the situation to further destabilise the country.
“Apart from admirably acting in support of democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of our country and West Africa with the intervention. With the Sahel in disarray and dire security conditions, and a significant portion of Benin, especially the W-forest, already infested by the militants, a successful coup would have had devastating effects on our own country due to our proximity to Benin Republic, which shares a border with many of our states,” the statement said.
The Forum commended the President and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their timely intervention, which helped restore stability and constitutional order in Benin.
“It is our position that democracy, whatever its challenges, remains the best form of government for regional peace, stability, and development.
“Subduing the coup on the invitation of Benin Republic is a big plus for the collective security efforts by ECOWAS in the region and for Nigeria in particular. For instance, security threats in Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou constitute a grave security risk to Nigeria, and the President’s firm action is an effective check to this,” the Forum said.
Senate approves troops deployment
Meanwhile the Senate today approved President Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin in support of efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in line with section 5, Part 11 of the Constitution.
The Senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative backing for the regional security intervention.
Akpabio described the decision as a step in the right direction, noting that instability in any neighboring state poses a threat to the entire region.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the lawmaker said.
He underscored that it is Nigeria’s responsibility to support its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partner.
The Senate’s consent letter will be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately
