The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria’s swift intervention to thwart a coup attempt in the neighbouring Benin Republic, while calling for the same level of decisiveness in tackling Nigeria’s own escalating insecurity.
The commendation follows the events of last Sunday, when soldiers seized the national television station in Cotonou to announce the ouster of President Patrice Talon.
They were quickly overpowered by pro-government forces, backed by Nigerian military support in a cross-border operation.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party welcomed the action to defend constitutional order. “We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood,” the ADC stated.
However, the party immediately drew a stark contrast with the domestic situation. “More importantly, the government’s demonstrated ability to move quickly in Benin raises an even deeper concern,” the statement continued. “If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity?”
The ADC questioned the consistency of Nigeria’s foreign policy, noting a prior hesitation to act during instability in Guinea-Bissau. “Why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there?… What changed? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?”
It urged that the unilateral action be subjected to ratification by the National Assembly as required by law for foreign military deployments.
Ultimately, the party argued that the foundation of democracy is domestic welfare and security. “The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives, the restoration of security, and the rebuilding of trust between citizens and the state,” the ADC stated, calling for the urgency shown in Benin to be replicated at home.
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