By Passman Akpos
There was heated debate in the Senate yesterday as the Senate President read a communication from the President of the Republic seeking concurrence for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin. The official request, in line with constitutional requirements, immediately triggered concern from Senator Henry Seriake Dickson who objected to the manner in which the decision was being rushed.
Dickson faulted the voice vote taken without a proper debate, insisting that such an important matter demanded thorough deliberation for legitimacy. He however clarified that his objection was procedural, not substantive, and went on to declare his full support for the President’s decision to deploy military forces.
According to Dickson, the President acted within constitutional provisions by deploying military assets and simultaneously informing the Senate and soliciting its backing.
But the Senator stressed that Nigeria must not stop at military deployment. He urged that the President use diplomatic channels to raise deeper continental concerns, particularly the erosion of democracy not only within ECOWAS but across Africa. He warned that democratic values were collapsing in West Africa — citing Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and the current attempted coup in Benin Republic.
Dickson strongly condemned actions by elected officials who suppress opposition, rig elections, or attempt to impose one-party rule, noting that such failures weaken democracy and encourage support for military takeovers.
He reminded colleagues that democracy goes beyond holding periodic elections, emphasizing that it rests on respect for constitutional rights, the rule of law, and sovereignty of the people.
While firmly rejecting military coups, Dickson cautioned that political leaders must equally avoid destroying democracy through misconduct and authoritarian tendencies. When democratic systems fail, he warned, people begin to cheer military interventions.
In closing, he called for unity in the Senate on three fronts:national security, the economy, and protection of democratic rights
He reaffirmed his support for troop deployment but maintained that Nigeria must push for democratic accountability among African leaders.
The Senate agreed to his position — making today’s plenary a landmark moment in Nigeria’s efforts to defend democracy at home and across the region.
