From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has confirmed that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau following the military coup that toppled the country’s government.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made this known in an interview with journalists in Abuja.
He said, “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.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, had been in Guinea Bissau monitoring last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections before the military announced it had seized power.
Alarmed, the House of Representatives had earlier urged the Federal Government to immediately activate all diplomatic channels to secure the safe evacuation of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who became stranded in Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military coup.
The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere during plenary on Thursday.
He informed lawmakers that Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as part of an international election monitoring delegation, was caught up in the unrest as the country descended into political turmoil.
Ihonvbere noted that the former Nigerian leader, widely regarded as a statesman across Africa, has played a prominent role in peacebuilding and election mediation on the continent, making it critical for Nigeria to act swiftly to ensure his safety.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda backed the motion, stressing that while Jonathan’s safety must be prioritised, all Nigerians abroad deserve equal protection, especially during emergencies.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements with ECOWAS, the African Union, and other regional partners to guarantee Jonathan’s immediate and secure return.
Lawmakers also highlighted the need for stronger national mechanisms to protect Nigerians caught in crisis situations outside the country.
The intervention comes as military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced they had taken “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process, shut all borders, and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló alongside senior government and military officials.
