The request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate and read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the President, the letter was submitted in accordance with Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reflects Nigeria’s responsibility to support peacekeeping efforts within the sub-region.
Tinubu explained that the Beninese government sought Nigeria’s intervention after dissident soldiers attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon. The President added that Nigeria’s decision to assist was based on long-standing ties of friendship, regional cooperation, and mutual security interests.
Over the weekend, a group of mutinous soldiers under the banner of the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state broadcaster in Cotonou and announced an attempt to oust President Talon. The coup was swiftly foiled with the support of Nigerian troops and fighter jets deployed at the request of the Beninese authorities.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the President’s request as the situation in Benin continues to stabilise.
Details later…
