Tinubu’s Benin Intervention Unconstitutional — Emeka Agba
By BUNMI BUSOLA
CHIEF Emeka Agba, founder of the Chief Emeka Agba Foundation, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s military intervention in Benin Republic, describing it as unconstitutional and unnecessary. Speaking in an interview, Agba argued that the President acted without the mandatory approval of the National Assembly.
He noted that the 1999 Constitution clearly states that a Nigerian President can only deploy troops abroad when the nation’s security is threatened and with the consent of the Senate. In this case, he said, Nigeria faced no immediate threat from Benin Republic, making the deployment a breach of both domestic and international law.
Agba, who holds the traditional title Odagbulu Ihe Dagbulu Enyi 1 of Igboland, insisted that the matter should have been debated and voted on by lawmakers before any action was taken. He also accused the government of spending public funds on the operation without legislative approval.
The activist faulted the decision further, saying Nigeria has pressing internal security crises—terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes—that require urgent attention. He urged Tinubu to “begin charity at home” and direct the nation’s resources to restoring security locally rather than intervening in another country’s internal affairs.
Agba warned that by intervening in Benin, Nigeria may have inadvertently opened the door for foreign powers, including the United States, to justify similar interference in Nigeria’s internal matters. He called on the President to prioritise the fight against insecurity within Nigeria.
