Former National Lawmaker, Senator Ayo Arise, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as decisive and statesmanlike leadership in responding to regional security threats, insisting that Nigeria must always act swiftly when its interests are at stake.
Speaking on ARISE News on Saturday, Arise said the President demonstrated readiness and capacity for leadership by intervening in the alleged coup plot in Benin Republic, stressing that Nigeria could not afford to ignore instability in neighbouring countries.
“There is no way the president would have sat down and been looking at a coup in his backyard, which is the Benin Republic,” Arise said. “The president acted very swiftly. He acted like a statesman. He acted in the interest of Nigeria.”
He added that failure to act could have encouraged similar actions elsewhere in the region, including Nigeria itself, noting that swift intervention was necessary despite imperfections in democratic systems across West Africa.
“When you see a serious problem, it’s important that you act very swiftly, and the president has done extremely well,” he said. “I’m very proud of Mr President for many of the actions that he has taken.”
Arise also addressed Nigeria’s role within ECOWAS and the broader international community, drawing parallels with how major global powers act to protect their national interests.
“When you see a serious problem, it’s important that you act very swiftly,” he said, citing historical examples where countries acted decisively to safeguard their security and influence.
On Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly with France and the US, Arise expressed concern over the continued detention of a Nigerian military aircraft and personnel in Burkina Faso, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Our aircraft have been seized, been detained,” he said, adding that Nigeria must begin to send strong signals to countries that undermine its sovereignty. “It’s about time sometimes we start sending messages around here that if you mess with us, there will be consequences.”
While acknowledging the need for diplomacy, Arise said forceful options should not be ruled out if diplomatic efforts fail.
“That would have been my own preference, if not for the challenges that we’re having locally in the country,” he said, when asked if Nigeria should consider force to retrieve its personnel and aircraft. “If diplomatic efforts fail… I think within the next two weeks, maximum 30 days, if there is a breakdown, we should move and do something.”
He maintained that neighbouring countries must understand Nigeria’s position, stressing that friendliness should not be mistaken for weakness.
“These are our neighbours, and we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that we can’t be messing with our country,” Arise said.
The former lawmaker also weighed in on the Senate’s screening of ambassadorial nominees, criticising the growing reliance on the bow and go practice without adequate questioning.
“That bow and go, without questioning, we don’t know whether it might stand to hurt us in the future,” he said, arguing that nominees should be asked at least a few questions to demonstrate competence.
Arise said Senate screening should not be treated as a mere formality, noting that engagement allows lawmakers to better understand nominees who will represent Nigeria abroad.
“It’s a learning process,” he said. “The opportunity for engagement, for information, for people discussing their professions, educating the senators at large, is a plus.”
He concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s security, diplomatic standing and democratic values depend on timely decisions and firm leadership, insisting that the President’s recent actions reflect an understanding of that responsibility.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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