Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned safely to Nigeria after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau, where a military coup disrupted ongoing electoral activities.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to the country’s presidential and legislative polls, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, late Thursday. Video clips shared by ARISE News captured his night-time arrival as he stepped off a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft and was received by supporters and officials.
His evacuation followed heightened tension in Guinea-Bissau, where soldiers on Wednesday announced they had seized “total control” of the state, shut the borders, and suspended the electoral process. Gunfire was reported around the presidential palace as troops blocked major routes across the capital.
Jonathan and his delegation were still carrying out their observation duties when the military takeover occurred. Concerns over his safety prompted the House of Representatives during plenary on Thursday to urge the Federal Government to activate diplomatic channels to secure his return.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed he was out of harm’s way.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau. He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa told journalists.
The coup unfolded amid rising controversy over Sunday’s elections. Both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition contender Fernando Dias had declared victory ahead of the provisional results expected Thursday.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a multi-branch military command had taken charge of the country “until further notice,” alleging a plot involving drug traffickers and illegal arms imports aimed at undermining constitutional order.
In a joint statement, Jonathan, alongside Filipe Nyusi, head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, and Issifu Kamara, head of the ECOWAS Mission, denounced the coup as an attempt to derail the democratic process. They called for calm and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau through the crisis.
Nigeria’s Federal Government also condemned the military takeover, warning that it threatens democratic governance and stability in the West African region.
Source: Punch News
