The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic, following an attempted military takeover in the neighboring country. The approval, granted through a voice vote shortly after the president’s letter was read, comes after Nigerian Air Force personnel had already been deployed at the request of Beninese authorities to help restore peace and protect democratic institutions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval after lawmakers adopted the request through a voice vote at the committee of the whole. The motion was not debated; Akpabio put it to a vote, which was overwhelmingly supported, before the Senate returned to plenary.
The approval followed a letter from President Tinubu requesting legislative consent, as required under Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates National Assembly approval within 14 days of deploying troops. Although the request arrived shortly before the vote, Nigerian Air Force personnel had already been deployed to Benin at the behest of Beninese authorities to help quell the coup attempt. The operation is reported to have succeeded, with the coup leader, Tigri Pascal, now declared wanted.
Preventing Refugee Spillover: Senate Cites Border Security
Following the vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the decision would help prevent a potential influx of refugees into Nigeria and safeguard the nation’s borders.
“Deployment of the Air Force and troops to Benin Republic is aimed at ensuring a peace mission, restoring order and stability in that country, thereby protecting Nigerians from thousands of refugees and preventing unnecessary criminality and disruption along our borders,” he said.
He also commended President Tinubu for adhering to constitutional provisions by seeking legislative approval and said a letter of consent will be sent to the president immediately.
He praised President Tinubu for complying with constitutional requirements by seeking Senate approval, noting that a letter of consent would be sent to him immediately. “We believe the president has taken the right course. His action not only helps preserve peace and democracy in Benin Republic but also protects Nigeria’s borders, preventing potential security risks. We commend him for rising to the occasion, because harm to one nation can affect us all,” Akpabio added.
