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Benin Republic: African Parliamentary Aides Association Commends ECOWAS Over Planned Deployment of Standby Force
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African Parliamentary Aides Association, APAA, which is the highest body comprising all aides in Africa has lauded the efforts of Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and the Nigerian government over their intervention, stopping the attempted coup d’etat from taking place in Benin Republic.
This was made public by a communique released on Monday, 15th December, and signed by APAA’s President, High Chief, Barr. Emeka Nwala who is also the Chairman of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum, NASSLAF, in Nigeria.
Nwala said the prompt response of ECOWAS, Nigerian government, and other leaders shows the body is ready to bring peace and stability to its member countries, APAA completely aligns itself to the deployment of soldiers to keep the situation under control, protecting democracy.
”We commend the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the body’s timely decision and action to deploy standby force to the Republic of Benin to restore normalcy in the country after last Sunday’s coup attempt
This action underscores ECOWAS preparedness and responsiveness to its mandate of providing desirable and urgent support to its members during emergency periods as it is the situation in the Republic of Benin at the moment
We strongly align with the deployment of ECOWAS troops to the Republic of Benin because such speedy and responsible move would impact positive change in stabilizing the government headed by Mr. Patrice Talon. Besides, it will help the loyal Armed Forces to push back fully to take effective control of the territorial integrity of the nation” Nwala said.
Nwala praised the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu for releasing troops to deal with chaotic situation immediately. He further thanked other presidents in West Africa for sending the army, lending their voices and discouraging such an unwanted interruption of a democratically elected President.
”Accordingly, we laud the Federal Republic of Nigeria Government headed by H.E Senator Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate for approving the deployment of Nigerian troops to Republic of Benin. In addition, we extol other West African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone for their commitment to the restoration of peace and order in Benin by also agreeing to donate troops
We therefore call on the various security operatives in the country to guarantee that law and order are restored and the sanctity of the constitution is maintained. It is also important for them to ensure that the democratic institutions and the citizens are given full protection.” Nwala opined.
Stressing his disapproval of such unwarranted forceful take of seat of power, Nwala condemned the action of the plotters of the failed coup d’etat, noting that it has become a dangerous reoccurring precedence for African countries where coup d’etat has been the order of the day.
”Consequently, we condemn in strong terms last Sunday’s failed coup in the country and applaud the Federal Government of Nigeria headed by H.E Senator Bola Tinubu and other national governments, groups and individuals involved in thwarting that insurrection
It is against this background that we are alarmed by the growing spate of coups in Africa particularly in West African sub-region where Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are under military rule. Recently, Guinea Bissau joined the list of West African countries that have jettisoned democracy.” Nwala emphasized
Frowning at such an unacceptable truncation of a stable government, Nwala said African Legislative Aides are worried that if this act of insurrections are left unmitigated, which will erode the democracy we go fought and paid for with the blood of Africans, which must have watered down the fight of our leaders who led down their lives in pursuit of our freedom.
”We are greatly worried that if this unfolding political situation in Africa is left unchecked, it would erode the region’s democratic foundation which took years of struggles, sacrifice and bloodbath to achieve. We must resist the temptation of returning to the dark days of military autocracy because of the disastrous impact it would have on African development.” Nwala stressed
Nwala appealed to the African Union, AU, leaders of various governments in Africa, the military to intervention and seek ways to forestall these ugly situations from further occurrence, noting that African leaders must lead by example, imbibe and show accountability, stewardship and have no room for corruption at all levels to make these appetite for coup d’etat unattractive
”We therefore call on the regional bodies particularly the African Union, national governments, political leaders and Armed Forces in various countries of Africa to show responsibility by prioritizing the promotion, preservation and consolidation of virile democracy and democratic structures in Africa
We demand that top political office holders and policy makers must shun the enticement of corruption and self-centeredness and embrace accountability, transparency, openness and consultative governance to make the choice of insurrections and rebellion unappealing” Nwala asserted.
Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.
Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.
While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.
He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.
Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.
The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.
However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.
“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.
“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.
“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”
The National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid recent crises in the party.
Dickson made this known in a statement on his official X handle, revealing that the meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, was attended by Obi and other senior party leaders.
“I just received my brother, colleague, and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr Peter Gregory Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours.
“In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues.
“We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, i.e., winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government. However, a few issues have arisen, and we have agreed on how to handle them moving forward.
“I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture.
“Both His Excellency Peter Obi and I, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of our party, will continue to consult and engage with one another to address and resolve concerns, strengthen the unity and cohesion of our party, and ensure that we remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for all.”
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