Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin after the country reported a failed attempt to topple President Patrice Talon.
The request followed a brief seizure of a TV station in Cotonou by rogue soldiers who were later overpowered by loyal forces.
The plea was contained in a letter read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The live session aired on National Assembly TV captured the Senate leader reading the message in which Tinubu stressed the urgency of the security situation in the neighbouring country.
Quoting the president’s letter, Akpabio said the request stemmed from a formal appeal by the Government of Benin seeking immediate air support from Nigeria to stabilise the unrest.
Tinubu wrote, “Distinguished Senate President, request for the consent of the Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission. Pursuant to Section 5, Subsection 5 of the Constitution, I seek, further to consultation with the National Defence Council, the consent of the Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin.”
The president explained that the attempted seizure of power had disrupted democratic institutions in Benin.
He stated that the situation required swift external assistance to prevent further instability.
“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 disruption and destabilisation of democratic institutions,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s long-standing ties with Benin and the shared commitment to collective security within ECOWAS made intervention necessary.
Tinubu urged the lawmakers to approve the request promptly. He ended the letter by offering his “highest consideration and personal regards”.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request. Further details are being awaited.
