The African Democratic Congress has welcomed Nigeria’s prompt action to help restore order in the Benin Republic after the recent coup attempt. The party, speaking through its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi in Abuja, praised the fast response but urged the Federal Government to show the same speed in tackling banditry and violent crime at home.
The ADC noted the contrast between the swift intervention in Benin and the slow response in other crises, including the unrest in Guinea-Bissau when former President Goodluck Jonathan was caught up in the instability. The party asked why Nigeria acted quickly in one case and hesitated in another, and called for a consistent approach to foreign and regional engagements.
While commending the Federal Government for defending constitutional order in the neighbourhood, the ADC stressed that all overseas security actions must follow the law. The party reminded the government that deployments outside Nigeria require National Assembly ratification as set out in the Constitution.
The ADC also voiced concern about a wider trend of democratic backsliding in the region. It argued that strong democracy depends on good governance, better living standards for citizens, and tolerance of political opposition.
More urgently, the party said the rapid action in Benin highlights a painful question for Nigerians. If the state can move quickly to protect a neighbour, why does it not act with equal force to end the insecurity that is destroying communities at home? The ADC pointed to the ongoing toll of banditry, terrorism, and violent crime, which displace families, lead to abductions, and leave towns unsafe.
The party concluded by calling on the Federal Government to match its regional resolve with decisive steps to protect Nigerian lives, restore security, and rebuild public trust in state institutions.
Leave a comment