- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate for their consent on the deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic to assist the neighbouring country’s government in its ongoing effort to curtail the failed military coup plot in the country.
NPO Reported that a group of soldiers had last week announced the military takeover of the country in Cotonou shortly after gunshots were heard at the Presidential palace.
While Tinubu had ordered immediate deployment of fighter jets to the country for fight against at the erring officers who plotted the coup, the Nigerian President tendered a letter before the Senate on Tuesday for formal approval of Nigerian military deployment to the Francophone country for peace mission.
As read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during the Tuesday’s plenary session, Tinubu defended his initial deployment of fighter jets to Benin, explaining that the situation in the country requires urgent external action.
“Pursuant to Section 5, sub-section 5, Part Two, of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as ammended), I seek, further to consultation with the National Defence Council, the consent of Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin.
“This request is made in furtherance to the request received from the government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The distinguished Senate may wish to note that the government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and the destabilisation of democratic institutions.
“The situation, as reported by the government of Benin, requires urgent external intervention.
“Distinguished Senate, considering the closed tie of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and Republic of Benin as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS, it is our duty to provide the support as requested by the government of the Republic of Benin.
“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and approve this request expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.” Akpabio read.
He thereafter forwarded the letter to the Committee for immediate action.
“This request for consent is committed to the Committee of the whole for immediate action.” He said.