The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in deploying military assets to contain and reverse the recent coup attempt in Benin.
In a statement released Monday in Ilorin by the NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum described the swift intervention as being in the best interest of both Nigeria and West Africa.
AbdulRazaq warned that a successful coup in Benin could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, potentially opening the door for militants and hostile actors in the Sahel region to destabilise the country.
“Apart from supporting democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa with the intervention,” he said.
He also noted that the Sahel’s current instability, coupled with militant presence in parts of Benin, meant that a successful coup could have had devastating effects on Nigeria’s security.
The Forum also commended the President and the Nigerian Armed Forces for restoring stability and constitutional order in Benin through timely intervention.
“It is our position that democracy, in spite of its challenges, remains the best form of government for regional peace, stability, and development,” AbdulRazaq stated.
He emphasised that subduing the coup, following a request from Benin, strengthens collective security efforts by ECOWAS and safeguards Nigeria’s national interests.
“Security threats in Porto-Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou are grave risks,” the NGF Chairman added.
