Senate approves Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic

The Senate has expeditiously approved the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission.

The approval was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole, in line with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution.

The senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, providing the required legislative backing for the regional security intervention.

Akpabio described the decision as timely and necessary, stressing that instability in any neighbouring country poses a direct threat to regional security.

President Tinubu had earlier today written to the Senate, seeking its consent to deploy to the Benin Republic for combat operations in another country.

The letter was read on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during plenary.

According to the President, the letter, which was in sequel to section 5( 5) of 1999 Constitution as amended, also became imperative following the need for peacekeeping as a sister country.

The President said that deploying the troops was as a result of a request by the Benin Republic for assistance and considering the close ties of friendship and brotherhood.

On 7 December, several soldiers of the Benin Armed Forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri announced the overthrow of Beninese president Patrice Talon on national television, following an attack on Talon’s residence in Cotonou.

In the afternoon, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a statement that Benin’s armed forces had foiled the attempted coup.

Reports later emerged that Nigerian troops were deployed to Benin to help foil the coup attempt, which was confirmed by President Tinubu.

His office said Nigeria’s military intervened after Talon’s government issued two requests for help, including for “immediate Nigerian air support”.

Tinubu praised Nigeria’s armed forces for standing “as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government”.

Later that evening, Talon came on state television to confirm Seidou’s announcement, promising to punish those responsible.

“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” the president said.

The rapid mobilisation of forces loyal to the government “allowed us to thwart these adventurers”, Talon said in his remarks.

This treachery will not go unpunished,” he added.