Senate okays Nigerian soldiers deployment to Benin for peace mission

The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin on a peace mission aimed at restoring democratic order and stability.

The decision came after the Senate considered the President’s request during the Committee of the Whole session in plenary, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation.

Tinubu had, in a letter read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, urged the Senate to approve the troop deployment to help restore governance following a recent coup attempt in Benin.

The President had initially deployed members of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Sunday to assist in restoring democracy after a group of soldiers attempted a coup.

In the letter titled, “Deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission”, Tinubu cited Section 5(5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and stated that, following consultation with the National Defence Council, he sought the Senate’s consent for the deployment.

“This request is made further to a request received from the Government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“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 disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions.

“The situation as reported by the Government of Benin requires urgent external intervention.

“The Distinguished Senate considers the close ties of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS.

“It is our duty to provide the support as requested by the Government of the Republic of Benin.”

After reading the letter, Akpabio committed the President’s request for consent to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.