President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate’s approval for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following what he described as an “attempted unconstitutional seizure of power” in the neighbouring West African country.
The President’s request, read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President was made pursuant to Section 5(5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires parliamentary consent for external military deployment.
According to the communication, the move follows a formal plea from the Government of Benin Republic for Nigeria’s immediate air support to quell the emerging crisis.
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Tinubu informed lawmakers that the Beninese government is currently grappling with the destabilisation of its democratic institutions, necessitating urgent external intervention.
“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 letter read in part.
He explained that the request became necessary after consultations with the National Defence Council, noting Nigeria’s regional responsibility and long-standing ties with Benin.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The President urged the Senate to treat the matter expeditiously given the urgency of the situation.
“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and approve this request expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards,” he added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio thereafter committed the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate deliberation.
