AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Prof. Mojeed Alabi, a former federal lawmaker, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to deploy Nigerian troops to avert the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin was fully in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Prof. Alabi stated this while reacting to criticisms of the President’s action on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Tuesday.
He linked the rising spate of military takeovers in West Africa to public frustration and unrealistic expectations of democratic governance, describing as erroneous the belief that coups offer quick solutions.
“People think the military will come today and reduce a bag of rice from ₦60,000 to ₦10,000,” he said, noting that many young supporters of coups never lived through the harsh realities of past military regimes and therefore tend to romanticise them.
Warning that military rule could erode citizens’ hope, the don stressed: “A president can be voted out in four years. A military ruler gives you no such option.”
On Tinubu’s intervention in the Benin Republic situation, he clarified: “The President does not need approval before deploying troops. The Constitution only requires him to seek legislative approval if the military will remain outside the country for more than seven days.”
Prof. Alabi also expressed concern that money politics has undermined democratic values, recalling how candidates spend huge sums to influence party delegates and voters.
“When you collect money to vote, you have sold your right to demand accountability,” he said, adding that weak institutions and transactional politics continue to undermine democracy.
According to him, Nigerians are currently facing a painful but predictable phase of reform following subsidy removal and revenue restructuring. He stressed, however, that the government must show empathy and improve communication to maintain public confidence.
“People want to feel that leaders understand their pain,” he said. He added that citizens would demonstrate greater patience if they see genuine efforts to cut waste and strengthen the fight against corruption.
Prof. Alabi concluded that Nigeria’s biggest governance challenge is the disconnect between leaders and citizens.
“Leaders think long-term; citizens think short-term. When people stop selling votes, politicians will stop buying them. Once the people understand their power, Nigeria will move faster than many expect,” he said.
