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.
