(DDM) – Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent military actions in the Benin Republic, describing them as evidence of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy and regional stability.
DDM gathered that Onanuga’s comments followed widespread reactions to Nigeria’s deployment of military support to the neighboring country, an operation the presidency says was necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions.
Onanuga argued that Tinubu’s decision underscores Nigeria’s long-standing role as a stabilizing power in West Africa.
He said the president acted to prevent what could have been a serious threat to democratic governance within the region.
According to him, the intervention also highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to protect citizens whenever cross-border insecurity escalates.
He added that Nigeria’s rapid rescue operations involving stranded students further affirmed Tinubu’s responsiveness to crises.
Onanuga maintained that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where armed groups or non-state actors disrupt constitutional order.
He insisted that Tinubu’s directive was rooted in his responsibility as ECOWAS Chairman to defend regional peace.
Background checks show that Nigeria has repeatedly intervened in West African political conflicts since the 1990s through ECOMOG and various peacekeeping missions.
Security analysts say Tinubu inherited a region plagued by rising coups, extremist violence, and fragile democratic systems.
They note that West Africa has recorded several military takeovers in recent years, raising concerns about a possible reversal of democratic gains.
Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu’s administration is determined to prevent destabilization in countries sharing borders with Nigeria.
He said allowing insecurity to spread would compromise Nigeria’s national interest and expose millions of citizens to danger.
Critics, however, argue that the government has not fully explained the legal and diplomatic basis of the operation.
Opposition voices claim that Nigerians deserve clarity regarding the scale, purpose, and long-term implications of deploying troops outside national boundaries.
Some civil society groups have also demanded transparency on whether the National Assembly was fully briefed before the intervention.
Onanuga dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated and insisted the president acted in both national and regional interest.
He said Tinubu’s leadership would continue to prioritize democracy, security, and human rights despite negative portrayals by opponents.
Analysts believe the incident may shape Nigeria’s diplomatic posture as ECOWAS continues to struggle with internal divisions.
The debate over Tinubu’s foreign policy approach is expected to intensify as more details emerge about the Benin Republic operation.
For now, the presidency maintains that defending democracy sometimes requires decisive military action.
Onanuga insists Tinubu will not hesitate to act whenever democracy or Nigerian lives are threatened.