Nigerian Lawmakers Sound Alarm Over Former President's Safety
The Nigerian House of Representatives has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu's administration, demanding immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan from Guinea-Bissau, where a military coup has left him stranded.
During Thursday's plenary session in Abuja, lawmakers expressed grave concerns about Jonathan's safety after he traveled to the West African nation as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum observer mission for last weekend's presidential elections when the military takeover unfolded.
Emergency Parliamentary Session
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu interrupted regular proceedings to bring attention to what he described as "an urgent matter requiring national attention." The session, which had initially focused on economic hardships affecting Nigerians, quickly shifted to address the security crisis involving the former president.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere provided crucial details, reminding fellow lawmakers of Jonathan's extensive experience in international election monitoring across multiple countries including Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, and South Africa. "Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup. While we are not here to debate the coup itself, the safety of Nigeria's former president is a matter of national importance," Ihonvbere stated emphatically.
The House Leader confirmed that the Federal Government was already aware of the development and had begun taking preliminary steps to secure Jonathan's safe return to Nigeria.
Equal Protection for All Nigerians
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda strongly supported the motion while emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection of all Nigerian citizens affected by the political unrest in Guinea-Bissau. "The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad," Chinda declared, ensuring that the rescue efforts would extend beyond the former president.
Through a unanimous voice vote, the House adopted the motion urging the government to intensify diplomatic efforts through all available channels. The resolution specifically called for protection not only for Jonathan but for all Nigerians caught in the escalating crisis.
Escalating Crisis in Guinea-Bissau
International media reports confirm rapidly deteriorating conditions in Guinea-Bissau. On Wednesday, November 26, General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command "composed of all branches of the armed forces" had seized control of the government.
The military leadership confirmed the suspension of the electoral process and the closure of all national borders, just three days after presidential and legislative elections were conducted. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, widely expected to win the election, was reported to be confined inside a building behind military headquarters along with the chief of staff and interior minister.
The House of Representatives reiterated that Nigeria must maintain constant vigilance over the rapidly evolving situation, emphasizing that safeguarding its former president and citizens abroad represents both a constitutional obligation and moral responsibility.
This development follows Nigeria's earlier strong denunciation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, where the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional governance after soldiers arrested President Umaro Embalo and several officials during the November 26 uprising.
