The Nigerian Senate has approved a request from President Bola Tinubu to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at ‘safeguarding democratic governance in West Africa.’
The approval followed the reading of a formal presidential correspondence in which the President sought the Senate’s consent to authorise military deployment to the neighboring country to forestall an unconstitutional seizure of power and prevent the destabilisation of democratic institutions.
Following the presentation of the letter, the Senate resolved into a ‘Committee of the Whole’ to deliberate on the President’s request.
The motion to enter committee session was moved and seconded after the Senate President called for a voice vote, with the majority of senators responding in the affirmative.
During the closed-door session, senators examined the implications of the proposed deployment, including the potential for mass refugee movement into Nigeria and the security impact on border communities.
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After deliberations, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of granting approval for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the Republic of Benin.
Upon reverting to plenary, the Senate President asked members to confirm that the report accurately reflected the discussions of the Committee of the Whole.
The chamber responded affirmatively.
A final voice vote was taken on the confirmation of the President’s action, with the majority again voting “aye,” thereby formalising the Senate’s consent.
In his remarks, the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for seeking constitutional approval and for taking steps to prevent a potential democratic breakdown in the region.
He stressed that “the stabilisation mission was critical not only for Benin Republic also for Nigeria’s national security.”
Senator Akpabio said; “the Senate’s letter of consent would be transmitted to the President immediately.”