Senate source has explained that President Bola Tinubu acted within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution in authorising Nigeria’s military intervention during the attempted coup in the Benin Republic.
The source disclosed that the President requires up to 14 days to seek Senate approval after the deployment of troops for external combat operations, contrary to claims that legislative consent must be secured within 24 hours before or after deployment.
The clarification followed Nigeria’s swift response to the attempted overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s government in Cotonou on Sunday.
According to the source, Section 5 of the Constitution empowers the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, to deploy troops outside Nigeria in the event of an imminent national security threat, but mandates that the Senate must be informed for ratification within the stipulated time.
The source added that under the law, the President can act immediately when there is an urgent security risk but must submit the action for legislative approval shortly after.
Meanwhile, the Presidency described Nigeria’s intervention as a show of leadership in preserving peace and constitutional order across West Africa.
However, the African Democratic Congress criticised the Federal Government, saying the speed of Nigeria’s action abroad contrasted sharply with the slow response to insecurity within the country.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended President Tinubu for the prompt intervention.
In a related development, two senior Beninese army officers taken hostage during the coup attempt have regained their freedom. The Chief of Army Staff, Abou Issa, and Army Chief, Colonel Faizou Gomina, were released near the National Guard headquarters in Cotonou.
President Talon later confirmed that the last pockets of resistance had been cleared, adding that those behind the coup would be punished.
