Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his rapid deployment of Military Forces to contain and reverse the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing the action as being firmly in Nigeria’s national interest.
In a statement, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq warned that a successful coup in Benin would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, as militants and hostile non-state actors in the Sahel region could exploit the situation to further destabilise the country.
“Apart from admirably acting in support of democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of our country and West Africa with the intervention. With the Sahel in disarray and dire security conditions, and a significant portion of Benin, especially the W-forest, already infested by the militants, a successful coup would have had devastating effects on our own country due to our proximity to Benin Republic, which shares a border with many of our states,” the statement said.
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The Forum commended the President and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their timely intervention, which helped restore stability and constitutional order in Benin.
“It is our position that democracy, whatever its challenges, remains the best form of government for regional peace, stability, and development.
“Subduing the coup on the invitation of Benin Republic is a big plus for the collective security efforts by ECOWAS in the region and for Nigeria in particular. For instance, security threats in Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou constitute a grave security risk to Nigeria, and the President’s firm action is an effective check to this,” the Forum added.