Onanuga: Intervention in Benin Republic Proves Tinubu’s Democratic Commitment

According to Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Nigeria’s military action in the Benin Republic is evidence of the President’s unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and bolstering national security.

During a monitored interview on Arise Television on Monday, Onanuga made the claim.

He claimed that Nigeria’s reaction to the attempted coup in Benin last week was prompt, well-coordinated, and absolutely done at the Beninese government’s request.

“What transpired today and on Sunday just demonstrated this government’s dedication to defending democracy, not only in Nigeria but also among our neighbors.

“And you have also seen that our security personnel, the armed forces, the air force, and the ground troops are up to the task of helping to protect this country,” he remarked, referring to the release of the Papiri children.

He claims that when the coup attempt started, President Patrice Talon specifically asked Nigeria for assistance.

“The Benin government, led by President Talon, sent Nigeria two notifications in short succession. The first was that Nigeria needed to dispatch fighter jets to assist them in overthrowing the coup plotters. They then asked for ground forces once more, he added.

The presidential aide added that Tinubu’s long-standing pledge to protect democratic government throughout West Africa and ECOWAS regulations were both in line with the intervention.