The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the federal should act decisively against banditry and other security challenges confronting Nigeria, the same way it swiftly intervened in the Benin Republic following a coup attempt.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced a takeover of the
government in the Francophone West African country.
Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said President
Patrice Talon was safe, adding that the “regular” army was regaining control.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also assisted the Beninese
government by carrying out combat air patrol around Cotonou, the Benin Republic
capital.
In a statement on Monday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national
publicity secretary of the ADC, urged the federal government to show similar
decisiveness in tackling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across
Nigeria.
Abdullahi said the government’s ability to act quickly
abroad highlights its slow and haphazard response to domestic insecurity, which
is devastating communities.
He also expressed concern about democratic reversals in the
West African region and stressed that the best safeguard for democracy is good
governance anchored on improved livelihoods and tolerance for opposition.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s
swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup
attempt,” the statement reads.
“We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to
defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood. However, the government must
align this intervention with the legal provisions of our Constitution.
“While the unilateral action taken by the President might
have been expedient, it still requires ratification by the National Assembly for
military deployment outside Nigeria.”
The ADC spokesperson questioned why Nigeria had not acted
swiftly in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian president was at risk.
“Consistency in our mode of operations, especially in
foreign interventions, is essential for any country that seeks to lead the
sub-region on democracy and stability,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the government’s rapid response abroad raises
concerns about its handling of domestic insecurity.
“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our
borders, why has it failed to act with similar urgency at home? Banditry,
terrorism, and violent crime continue to hold communities hostage, displace
families, abduct children, and parade themselves openly,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that defending democracy begins with protecting
Nigerian lives, restoring security, and rebuilding trust between citizens and
the state.
“The best safeguard against military adventurism is for
elected governments to make democracy meaningful by improving citizens’ lives
and allowing opposition and alternative voices to thrive,” he said.
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