The Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin to support efforts to contain an attempted coup in the neighbouring country.
The approval followed an executive communication from the President, seeking urgent intervention to help Benin address what he described as an unconstitutional attempt to seize power.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the letter during Tuesday’s plenary, said the request was made in line with constitutional provisions and after consultations with the National Defence Council, citing Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
According to President Tinubu’s letter, the deployment became necessary after Benin Republic sought immediate air support from the Nigerian Armed Forces to stabilise the situation and protect democratic institutions.
The President noted that Nigeria’s support was crucial, given the longstanding bilateral ties between both countries and the need to strengthen regional security.
Senator Akpabio commended President Tinubu for taking what he described as a “constitutional and timely step” to protect democracy in the region.
“We believe this is the right action, and the Senate has given its consent without much debate,” he said.
Several senators, including opposition lawmakers, endorsed the move.
Senator Seriake Dickson praised the President for acting decisively in defence of democracy, national interest, and regional stability.
He urged President Tinubu to convene African leaders to address rising threats to peace and strengthen collective protection of democratic governance.
COV/Bashir M
