Nigeria’s Regional Leadership Tested
Nigeria’s rapid intervention in Benin’s attempted coup has
drawn commendation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The Federal
Government acted decisively to defend democracy in its West African neighbor,
reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a regional stabilizer. According to the ADC, this
swift response showcased Nigeria’s ability to mobilize resources and protect
constitutional order beyond its borders.
ADC’s Commendation and
Concerns
While applauding the Federal Government’s quick action, the ADC raised important concerns:
- Constitutional
Compliance: Deployments outside Nigeria must be ratified by the
National Assembly. The ADC stressed that adherence to constitutional
processes is vital for legitimacy.
- Selective
Interventions: Nigeria’s hesitation during Guinea‑Bissau’s instability
raised questions about consistency. Why act swiftly in Benin but not
elsewhere?
- Foreign
Influence: The ADC cautioned that selective responses could fuel
speculation that Nigeria’s actions are shaped by external powers rather
than national interest.
Insecurity at Home
The ADC’s strongest message was directed inward. Despite
Nigeria’s ability to act decisively abroad, insecurity continues to plague
communities at home. Banditry, terrorism, and violent crime remain unchecked in
many regions. The party emphasized:
- Families
are displaced and vulnerable to abductions.
- Bandits
and terrorists openly parade themselves without decisive government
response.
- Citizens
question why urgency is reserved for foreign crises while domestic
insecurity lingers.
The ADC concluded that no government can claim to defend
democracy abroad while failing to protect its citizens at home.
Balancing Foreign Policy and
Domestic Security
Nigeria’s intervention in Benin highlights its influence in
West Africa, but credibility as a regional leader depends on consistency and
effective governance at home. The ADC urged the Federal Government to:
- Match
foreign policy zeal with equal determination in tackling insecurity.
- Strengthen
collaboration between military, police, and intelligence agencies.
- Invest
in community‑based security initiatives to rebuild trust.
- Ensure
constitutional compliance in all security deployments.
Final Thoughts
The ADC’s statement underscores a paradox: Nigeria can act decisively to defend democracy abroad, yet struggles to confront insecurity at home. For citizens, the message is clear — swift action must not stop at the borders. Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa will only be credible if it is matched by effective protection of lives and property within its own territory.
