The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan who is trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the country.
The lawmakers raised the issue during Thursday’s plenary, which initially centred on the hardships facing ordinary Nigerians, before Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew attention to what he described as “an urgent matter” requiring the House’s intervention.
The Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, then informed the Representatives that Jonathan was in the country on an international election observation mission when the military struck.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said, emphasising that although the House was not debating the coup itself, Jonathan’s safety is “a matter of national importance.”
Jonathan is currently in Guinea-Bissau as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS and West African Elders Forum mission to observe last weekend’s presidential election when the coup took place.
He said relevant government authorities were aware of the development and were already taking steps to ensure Jonathan’s safe return.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda backed the call, saying other Nigerians caught up in the crisis must be rescued and not overlooked.
“The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad,” Chinda said.
The House subsequently adopted the motion through a voice vote, urging the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate Jonathan’s return and prioritise the safety of all Nigerian citizens affected by the unfolding crisis.
Jonathan has had a vast election-monitoring experience across Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania and South Africa, undertaken on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union and Nigeria.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been widely expected to win Sunday’s poll, was said to be inside a building behind military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior,” according to a senior military officer who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.
