Nigeria’s Lawmakers Intensify Calls for Goodluck Jonathan Return After Guinea-Bissau Coup
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on election observation duty Source: wikipedia
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the federal government to deploy strong diplomatic efforts to ensure the Goodluck Jonathan return to Nigeria after the sudden military coup in Guinea-Bissau left him stranded.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday during plenary following a motion raised by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
House Leader Explains Why Jonathan Was Caught in the Coup
Hon. Ihonvbere explained that Jonathan had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as part of an international election observation mission—a role he has carried out in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, South Africa and more under ECOWAS, AU, the Commonwealth and the West African Elders Forum.
He noted that the coup erupted when soldiers stormed the electoral commission, suspended the election process, removed President Umaro Embaló and took control of the government.
Lawmakers Call for Urgent Diplomatic Action
Ihonvbere urged the government to ensure the immediate Goodluck Jonathan return, saying:
“All diplomatic channels must be activated to bring back a former president and true democrat without delay.”
Minority Leader Supports the Motion
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described Jonathan as one of Nigeria’s most respected democratic figures. He stressed that Jonathan’s safety should remind the government of its responsibility to protect all Nigerians abroad—not only public officials.
Deputy Speaker Approves the Motion
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, put the motion to a voice vote, which the House approved unanimously.
What Happened in Guinea-Bissau?
Reports from Bissau confirm that gunshots were heard near the electoral commission before the military announced takeover. The group calling itself the High Military Command for the Restoration suspended borders, imposed curfew and dissolved ongoing election processes.
Authorities claimed that the attack on the electoral commission was an attempt to obstruct the announcement of election results between incumbent Umaro Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias.
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