Politics
Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval To Send Troops To Benin Republic
Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval To Send Troops To Benin Republic
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic.
The request was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The letter explained that the move is tied to the peace effort in Benin following the attempted coup against President Patrice Talon.
Tinubu said that the operation was requested by the Benin government and falls under ECOWAS rules.
He also stated that the action follows Section 30(5) of the Nigerian Constitution after consultations with the National Defence Council.
The Senate has now approved the president’s request.
Nigeria had earlier sent air support to Benin after soldiers briefly took over the state broadcaster in Cotonou before the attempt was stopped.
Earlier information from a source in the 10th Senate indicated that the President has up to 14 days to consult lawmakers before troops can be deployed for combat outside the country.
The source explained that Section 5(5) of the Constitution allows the President to take quick action when there is an urgent threat, but the Senate must be informed within the set timeframe for approval or rejection.
The attempted takeover in Benin was led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri and members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation.”
Their action was halted after fighter jets and ground forces moved in under Nigeria’s earlier support mission.
The presidency maintained that Nigeria’s response was aimed at maintaining peace and order in the region.
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