Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has said that Nigeria’s quick military response in the Benin Republic and the rescue of 100 kidnapped schoolchildren in Niger State prove the government’s strong focus on democracy and national safety.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Onanuga explained that Nigeria’s move to help Benin was not done alone but followed official requests from President Patrice Talon of Benin. He also praised the Nigerian security forces for their role in freeing the children.
Onanuga said, “What happened yesterday and what happened today only showed that this government is committed to protecting democracy, not just in Nigeria, but also among our neighbours.
“What you have also seen in the release of the Papiri children is that our security people, the armed forces, the air force, the ground troops, they are up to the task of helping to protect this country.”
He made it clear that Benin’s government sent two formal messages to Nigeria. The first asked for fighter jets to help remove the coup leaders, and the second requested ground troops.
Onanuga said the move followed ECOWAS rules, and as the current chairman of the group, President Tinubu acted within his role.
“Since he came in in 2023, he’s been the greatest advocate of democracy in the West African sub-region, Whatever command he gave to our military to support Benin is in consonance with that. That is what he believes in,” Onanuga stated.
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