The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for swiftly deploying military assets to contain and reverse the coup attempt in Benin.
In a statement on Monday in Ilorin by Chairman of NGF, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum described the intervention as being in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa.
AbdulRazaq warned that a successful coup in Benin could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, including opportunities for militants and hostile actors in the Sahel to destabilise the country.
He said: “Apart from supporting democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa with the intervention.
“With the Sahel in disarray and parts of Benin already infested by militants, a successful coup would have had devastating effects on Nigeria.”
The Forum also commended the President and 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.
“Subduing the coup at Benin’s invitation strengthens collective security efforts by ECOWAS and safeguards Nigeria’s national interests. Security threats in Porto-Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou are grave risks,” AbdulRazaq said. (NAN)
