Nigerians have reacted to a statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in which he said the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, has expressed readiness for his country to be part of Nigeria.
In report published by Daily Trust, Oyeama had made this revelation shortly after been in a close door meeting with Beninoise Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Aurélien Agbenonci.
He said the Beninoise president gave the offer when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari, a few weeks back.
“The President of Benin said as far as they are concerned, they want (not just saying it like that) but in reality, Benin should be the 37th state of Nigeria,” he said.
Onyeama said, at the visit, both presidents discussed agreements between the two countries on how to put the issue of smuggling to an end, once and for all, as a follow up to the presidents’ meeting.
However, some Nigerians have taken to social media to express their thoughts concerning the proposed affiliation.
The Heritage Times brings you some of such thoughts:
If Nigeria Government can adopt Chad & Benin Republic, Terrorists & bandits will reduce.
— June12 Mandate (@Gen_Buhar) February 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/jhudohdhee/status/1363119091184263168
https://twitter.com/Fabbyjnr_/status/1363108408958869504
https://twitter.com/ajuicygeorge/status/1363137939799220224
https://twitter.com/amworldbest/status/1363124910248321026
Benin republic want to be Nigeria’s 37th state
ASUU looking at Benin republic students like pic.twitter.com/in801VMHIj
— JÒNAD ▪️ (@iamjonado) February 20, 2021
So if Benin republic join us as a state their President will now become governor pic.twitter.com/kfKEiUqA90
— bidexxx (@i_ambidex) February 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/standoski/status/1363142568561827842
So, if Benin Republic becomes Nigeria's 37th state, Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic will be played as Nigeria vs Nigeria Anex pic.twitter.com/p8Zl1U9GZf
— Tomiwa Ojo (@10Qmedia) February 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/OvieNews/status/1363132384707825665