The trapped Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has been evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the West African nation, and on his way back to Nigeria as at time of filing this report
Penpushing reports that the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed this to journalists on Thursday in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that he left the country with a special flight and that he is safe
“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,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that Jonathan was on election monitoring in the country, when the military struck, while record has it that he has served as an election monitor in several countries, including Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania and South Africa.
The trapped former President has been representing bodies such as the West African Elders Forum, the Commonwealth Observation Mission, the African Union, as well as Nigeria.
Penpushing also reports that it would be recalled that the Federal House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure his safe return.
The debate on the motion for facilitate safe return of Jonathan, was raised by Hon Julius Ihonvbere noting that Jonathan, had been on an international election observation mission when the coup broke out.
‘Currently, he is trapped in Guinea-Bissau because of the coup while on an election monitoring assignment. We are not here to debate the coup, but from my investigations, the government is aware of the situation and is working to ensure his quick and safe return, he said.
“Our appeal is that the government should not relent. It must use all diplomatic channels available to bring back a former president, a true democrat, without delay’, Ihonvbere emphasized
Penpushing reports that Minority Leader Hon Kingsley Chinda backed the motion, describing Jonathan as one of Nigeria’s finest civilian leaders under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The lawmaker added that Jonathan served with clear vision, humility and democratic excellence, stressing that the circumstances of his being stranded abroad highlight the broader responsibility of the Nigerian state to protect all its citizens.
“The importance we attach to his safety should equally be attached to the life of every Nigerian, home or abroad. I support that everything possible be done to ensure his safe return, and the same commitment extended to other Nigerians in distress’, Chinda said
Penpushing further reports that the Deputy Speaker Hon Benjamin Kalu put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted, however, record has it that Jonathan is widely recognised for being the first Nigerian president to concede defeat in a democratic election.
The Nigerian government, has through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, earlier condemned the coup, in which a group of army officers seized power, describing it as a violation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Penpushing also reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the takeover undermined regional commitments to constitutional order and political stability.
The Guinea- Bissau’s military seized power, toppled President Umaro Embaló, suspended the electoral process and imposed a curfew after attacking the electoral commission, and the country was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday.
Penpushing reports that the military officers declared total control of the country, closed its borders, and suspended electoral activities, while it is recalled that heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace, and soldiers blocked major access routes.
The Head of the Presidential military office, General Denis N’Canha announced that a command composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice
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