The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately launch robust diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently stuck in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the country.
Jonathan had travelled to Bissau as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS and West African Elders Forum mission to observe last weekend’s presidential election, but the assignment was disrupted when soldiers toppled the government.
The issue was raised during Thursday’s plenary after Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew the attention of lawmakers to what he described as an urgent and sensitive matter that requires swift national response.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who formally presented the motion, explained that Jonathan found himself caught in the middle of the coup while carrying out high-level diplomatic duties. Ihonvbere noted Jonathan’s long-standing record as an international election monitor, having served in similar roles across Africa and Asia on behalf of ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth and Nigeria.
“Former President Jonathan is in Guinea-Bissau as part of an election monitoring mission, and unfortunately the coup erupted while he was there,” Ihonvbere said. “This is not about debating the coup, but ensuring the safety of a former Nigerian leader. It is a matter of national importance.”
He added that relevant government agencies were already aware of the situation and had begun taking steps to facilitate Jonathan’s return.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda supported the motion but stressed that Nigeria’s diplomatic response must extend beyond the former president to include all citizens affected by the crisis.
“While he is a respected statesman whose safety is paramount, we must also remember that every Nigerian life holds equal value,” Chinda said.
The House unanimously adopted the motion via voice vote, mandating the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements to guarantee Jonathan’s safe evacuation and protect other Nigerian nationals stranded in the country.
Guinea-Bissau descended into uncertainty on Wednesday after General Denis N’Canha, head of the military office of the presidency, announced that a command drawn from all branches of the armed forces had assumed control of the state. The junta suspended the electoral process, sealed the borders and declared itself in charge “until further notice.”
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, widely tipped to win the election, was reportedly being held in a secure location behind military headquarters alongside the chief of staff and the interior minister, according to AFP.
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