The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has applauded the Federal Government’s prompt response to a failed coup in the Benin Republic, while also urging President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate similar urgency in addressing Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
In a statement released on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi noted the government’s swift intervention in Benin, where pro-government forces, backed by Nigerian troops and air support, successfully overpowered soldiers who had seized the national television station and announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon. The ADC praised the rapid response, highlighting the decisive action taken by the government in a foreign territory.
However, the party questioned the discrepancy in the government’s response to security threats within Nigeria’s borders. The ADC pointed out that despite the decisive action taken in Benin, the government has failed to demonstrate similar urgency in tackling banditry, terrorism, and violent crime within the country. This disparity has raised concerns about the government’s priorities and its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.
The ADC emphasized that defending democracy requires not only military action but also good governance, improved citizen welfare, and tolerance for opposing views. The party called on the government to address domestic insecurity with the same determination demonstrated in Benin, stressing that protecting Nigerian lives is crucial to sustaining democracy.
The failed coup in Benin Republic has brought attention to the regional security dynamics and the importance of cooperation between neighboring countries. Nigeria’s role in helping to stabilize the situation in Benin has been acknowledged, and the ADC’s statement serves as a reminder that the government must also prioritize the security and well-being of its own citizens. As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, the government’s response to the situation will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
