The Republic of Benin has commented Nigeria and ECOWAS for their role in the failed coup and restoration of democracy in the country.
He spoke when Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Benin, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, held a joint press briefing in Abuja on the sidelines of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
The briefing provided updates on the restoration of democratic governance in Benin Republic following the recent failed coup attempt, as well as the evolving security situation in the West African sub-region.
Addressing journalists from across Nigeria, West Africa, and international media, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari conveyed the Government of Benin's profound gratitude to Nigeria and ECOWAS for their swift and decisive intervention in foiling the attempted coup and safeguarding democratic order in the country.
He noted that support from Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana under ECOWAS protocols, reinforced united regional front against unconstitutional change of government that helped save the situation.
He revealed that, loyalist Forces in Benin had successfully halted the attempt, but the rapid diplomatic and military coordination with neighbouring countries was crucial.
According to him, the intervention was a demonstration of strong partnership rooted in shared democratic values championed by President Patrice Talon of Benin, and Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu.
"In my view, the success is the result of a very strong relationship between President Talon and President Tinubu, who are strong defenders of democracy in our sub-region. When you share the same values, it is easier to take decisions quickly," he noted .
He equally acknowledged the timing of the ECOWAS Ministerial Meeting, days after the incident in Benin, which he said demonstrated the relevance of the ECOWAS regional bloc, and the brotherhood among its member states.
"On behalf of the government and people of Benin, I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Nigeria, and the entire ECOWAS community for the support given to my country. Together, we decided to stop the spread of coups in our sub-region," he stated.
Bakari assured Nigerian investors and businessmen and women in Benin of continued stability, stressing that the government remains committed to safeguarding democracy and ensuring a secure business environment.
in his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar, reaffimed Nigeria's commitment to working closely with ECOWAS Member States and international partners to tackle security threats and socio-economic challenges affecting the region.
"We are all aware of what transpired in the Republic of Benin and the fast reaction that followed. It is an exemplar of what should obtain whenever democracy is under threat in our region and indeed on the African continent.
"It's the individual agency, the understanding, and the long relationship between the two countries. From the very beginning, my brother and I were communicating. That fast reaction is what led to stopping this unconstitutional attempt," he said.
Amb. Tugar assured of Nigeria's commitment to President Tinubu's foreign policy doctrine (the "Four Ds); Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora, with democracy remaining the foremost priority.