Nigeria grants asylum to Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader

The Nigerian Embassy in Guinea-Bissau has granted asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, opposition presidential candidate.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and da Costa were laying claim to victory when the military announced takeover.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who led a team of observers to the West African nation for the election had dismissed the coup as ceremonial.

He had also called on the African Union (AU) to ensure that the real result of the election was announced.

Jonathan had briefed President Bola Tinubu on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

In a letter addressed to Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS commission, on the day Jonathan briefed Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the Nigerian President had approved da Costa’s protection within the Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

“I write to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa. Mr. President’s decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa, in response to imminent threats to his life.”

“The decision to accommodate Mr. Da Costa within the Nigerian premises, underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

“In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy.

“Please, accept Dear President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter read.

The military has since formed a one-year transitional government in Guinea-Bissau.

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