By: Manoah Kikekon
Kano, Nigeria – Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has strongly condemned the recent alleged coup attempt in the neighboring Benin Republic. In a press briefing with journalists in Kano on Sunday, the lawmaker called on militaries across the region to steadfastly respect democratic institutions and the rule of law.
His statement followed reports that a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television claiming to have dissolved the government. While Benin’s interior minister later announced that security forces had thwarted the attempt, the incident has sparked regional concerns about political stability.
Senator Hanga explicitly denounced any form of unconstitutional seizure of power. “I condemn any unconstitutional seizure of power and urge the military to respect the rule of law,” Hanga stated, emphasizing the need for armed forces to support legitimately elected civilian governments.
Turning his focus to Nigeria, Hanga issued a rallying cry for national unity and democratic preservation. He urged all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the current democratic administration at every level. “The current democratic dispensation was a hard-won achievement,” he asserted, adding that it is incumbent on all citizens to respect the will of the people who have embraced democracy.
The senator stressed that politicians have a crucial role to play in defending the nation’s democratic foundations. “It is high time for politicians to do more in safeguarding the nation’s hard-earned democracy,” Hanga told reporters. He warned that any attempt to undermine or tamper with Nigeria’s democratic order would not be tolerated.
“Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria,” Hanga declared, urging collective action to protect it. His remarks underscore ongoing vigilance about political stability within Nigeria and across West Africa, highlighting the continuous effort required to preserve democratic gains.
NAN