Reps to FG: Ensure Jonathan’s safe return after Guinea-Bissau coup

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to deploy all diplomatic channels to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup.

Jonathan had travelled to the country as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS and West African Elders Forum mission to monitor last weekend’s presidential election when soldiers seized power and disrupted the process.

The matter was raised during Thursday’s plenary, which had initially focused on the economic hardships facing Nigerians before Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew attention to what he described as “an urgent matter” requiring the House’s intervention.

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who addressed lawmakers afterward, explained that Jonathan was in Guinea-Bissau on an international election observation assignment when the coup erupted.

He highlighted Jonathan’s extensive election-monitoring experience in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania and South Africa on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union and Nigeria.

“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said, emphasising that while the House was not debating the political situation in the country, Jonathan’s safety remained “a matter of national importance.”

Ihonvbere added that relevant government authorities were aware of the development and had begun taking steps to ensure Jonathan’s safe return to Nigeria.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda backed the motion, commending Jonathan’s democratic credentials and his global engagements while stressing that other Nigerians caught up in the crisis must not be overlooked.

“The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad,” Chinda said as he urged the government to prioritise the safety of all citizens.

The House adopted the motion through a voice vote, calling on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Jonathan’s return and protect all Nigerians affected by the unfolding events.

Meanwhile, the head of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential military office, General Denis N’Canha, announced on Wednesday that a military command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” had taken over leadership of the country, suspended the electoral process and closed the nation’s borders, three days after legislative and presidential elections were held.

A senior military officer, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, also disclosed that incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo  widely expected to win Sunday’s poll was inside a building behind the military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior.”