By Hajara Abdullahi
The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin following an unsuccessful coup attempt in the neighboring country.
The upper chamber unanimously granted the President’s request on Tuesday after considering it at the Committee of the Whole.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier read a letter from President Tinubu seeking the Senate’s approval for the deployment of Nigerian troops.
In the letter, President Tinubu described the situation in Benin Republic as “an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power” in the West African nation.
NANS reports that the letter was transmitted in accordance with Section 5(5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates parliamentary consent for external military deployment.
According to the letter, the decision follows a formal plea from the Government of Benin Republic requesting Nigeria’s immediate air support to help halt the crisis.
“The Government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and the disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions,” the President stated.
Tinubu further explained to lawmakers that the Benin Government was grappling with the destabilization of its democratic institutions, necessitating swift external intervention.
The President added that the request became necessary after consultations with the National Defence Council, reaffirming Nigeria’s regional responsibility and long-standing ties with Benin Republic.
“The distinguished Senate may wish to note that the Government of the Republic of Benin requires exceptional and immediate air support. Considering the close ties of brotherhood and friendship between Nigeria and Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS, it is our duty to provide the support as requested,” he added.