The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to employ all available diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerian election observers stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover.
Jonathan is in the country as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum mission to monitor last weekend’s presidential election when the armed forces seized power, suspended the electoral process, and closed all borders.
The matter was raised during Thursday’s plenary, initially focused on domestic socio-economic issues, when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the situation as “an urgent matter” demanding legislative attention. The Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, informed lawmakers that Jonathan was on the international election observation assignment at the time of the coup.
He highlighted Jonathan’s experience monitoring elections across Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, and South Africa. “Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said, stressing that the former president’s safety is “a matter of national importance.”
He added that relevant government authorities were aware of the situation and were taking steps to secure Jonathan’s return.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda supported the call, noting Jonathan’s democratic credentials and urging that other Nigerians caught in the crisis also receive attention.
“The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad,” Chinda said.
The motion was subsequently adopted by a voice vote, urging the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of Jonathan and prioritise the welfare of all Nigerian citizens affected by the unfolding events in Guinea-Bissau.
The coup was declared after heavy gunfire near the presidential palace, with General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announcing that a command comprising all branches of the armed forces had assumed control. N’Canha cited the alleged involvement of “national drug lords” and the introduction of weapons intended to disrupt constitutional order as justification for the intervention. The military imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended all media programming.
The AU and ECOWAS condemned the takeover, highlighting that the military announcement followed meetings with both leading presidential candidates, who had assured observers they would respect the outcome of the election. The missions demanded the immediate release of detained electoral officials and called for calm among the population.
Jonathan, who chairs the West African Elders Forum observation mission, remains in the country along with numerous other foreign observers, unable to leave due to the closure of borders. Associates have confirmed his safety, while urging continued efforts to facilitate his departure. The incident adds to Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, with multiple coups since independence.
