Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to democratic governance.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced a takeover of the
government in the West African country.
Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said President
Patrice Talon is safe, and the “regular” army is regaining control.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also assisted the Beninese
government by carrying out combat air patrol around Cotonou, the Benin Republic
capital.
Abubakar said the trend of assaults on constitutional order
is worrisome, especially because military interference in governance is no
longer acceptable in Africa and in the sub-region.
“I condemn, without reservation and in the strongest
possible terms, the coup d’état in the Benin Republic,” he said.
The politician added that the timing of recent coups, often
close to elections, raises serious concerns about attempts to undermine
democratic processes.
“The Benin presidential election is scheduled for April 2026
while the purported military take over in Guinea-Bissau happened on the eve of
the expected announcement of the results of that country’s poll,” he said.
He warned that political actors may be using the military to
cancel democratic processes.
“It raises fears that some political operators may be using
the military to cancel the democratic processes,” he added.
Abubakar said the trend poses a danger to democracy in the
West African sub-region.
“This trend is dangerous for the health of democracy in the
West African sub-region and must be stopped before it becomes the rule and not
the exception,” he said.
He said soldiers should remain in their barracks.
“Soldiers have no business anywhere outside their barracks,
and every decisive measure must be taken to crush any emerging appetite for
subverting democracy,” he added.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com