The Senate has approved the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin to restore public order and maintain peace following an aborted coup two days ago.
President Bola Tinubu had asked the Senate to approve the deployment of troops to the Republic of Benin, two days after ordering a military operation to help foil an attempted coup in the neighbouring country.
The request was contained in a letter read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday.
On Sunday, President Tinubu had authorised Nigerian air and ground support to the Benin Republic to help scuttle an attempted military takeover in Cotonou. Under Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President must seek the consent of the Senate before deploying the armed forces on combat or peacekeeping missions outside Nigeria, except in circumstances where delay would endanger national security. Even then, such an action must be subsequently reported to the National Assembly for approval.
In his letter titled: “Deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission,” Tinubu said the deployment followed an exceptional and immediate request from the Government of Benin Republic, which he said, was grappling with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power, disruption and destabilisation of democratic institutions.
“The situation as reported by the Government of Benin Republic requires urgent external intervention,” the President wrote. “The distinguished Senate may wish to note the close ties of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS.”
Tinubu added that it was Nigeria’s duty to provide support as requested, emphasising the urgency of the mission and expressing hope for expeditious approval.
He explained that the decision to deploy troops was taken pursuant to consultations with the National Defence Council and in line with constitutional provisions governing external military action. However, he acknowledged that the law required Senate’s consent, which he is now seeking.
The letter marked the first formal communication to the National Assembly regarding the military intervention, which had already begun with Nigerian forces providing air support to Beninoise authorities resisting the coup attempt.
Nigeria and Benin Republic, both ECOWAS member states, have long maintained defence cooperation arrangements. Under the ECOWAS protocols, member states may support each other in restoring constitutional order during attempted coups, subject to domestic legislative authorisation.
Senate President Akpabio subsequently committed the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration. In the committee of the whole, the Senate unanimously approved the request and commended President Tinubu for his swift response to the development.
Senate President Akpabio said Tinubu’s actions saved Nigeria from the influx of thousands of refugees, while ensuring that there was peace on the border between the two countries. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he stated, adding, “A letter of consent will be sent to the President immediately.”
Credit: The Sun