Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided detailed clarification about his return to Nigeria aboard an aircraft dispatched by Côte d'Ivoire, following the sudden political turmoil that erupted in Guinea-Bissau earlier this week.
Swift Response to Political Crisis
Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, found himself at the center of a developing security situation when reports of gunfire and potential instability began circulating. The former president explained that the political turbulence in Bissau triggered significant anxiety across Nigeria, prompting him to publicly address the widespread concern expressed by citizens.
Both President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara immediately mobilized evacuation aircraft once the security situation began deteriorating. Jonathan emphasized the rapid response from both West African leaders, highlighting their commitment to ensuring his safety and that of his delegation members.
Why the Ivorian Jet Arrived First
The geographical and diplomatic advantages played a crucial role in determining which evacuation aircraft reached Jonathan first. He explained that Côte d'Ivoire's proximity to Guinea-Bissau and the strong ties between Francophone and Lusophone countries significantly accelerated the approval process required for the Ivorian aircraft to enter Bissau's airspace.
As a direct result of these factors, the Ivorian jet was already en route to evacuate the former president and his team before Nigeria obtained similar clearance for its own aircraft. Jonathan noted that by the time he received confirmation that the Nigerian aircraft had finally received the green light to depart, the Ivorian evacuation effort was already well underway.
"That is why, if you look at the images from our return, you will see that we came in on an Ivorian aircraft," Jonathan stated during his recent interview, which served as his first public reaction since the incident sparked widespread concern back home.
Regional Cooperation and Gratitude
The former president used the opportunity to publicly express his appreciation for both African leaders' swift interventions. He emphasized that their combined efforts demonstrated not only commitment to his personal safety but also to regional cooperation among West African nations.
"I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu, and the Ivorian president, President Ouattara," Jonathan stated gratefully.
He also extended his gratitude to Nigerians across all political, ethnic, and religious lines, acknowledging the nationwide concern that followed early reports of the unrest in Guinea-Bissau. The incident highlighted the importance of regional security cooperation and the quick response mechanisms in place for protecting diplomatic missions during political crises.
