House Urges FG to Facilitate Jonathan’s Safe Return From Guinea Bissau

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to explore diplomatic measures to facilitate the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan who is trapped in Guinea Bissau following a coup in the country.

The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.

Jonatha was in Guinea-Bissau as Head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), serving as part of an international observer mission.

He alongside hundreds of foreign observers, were trapped on Wednesday after the military took over power while results of the elections were about to be officially declared.

A group of military officers claimed “total control” of the country, a day after two leading candidates – President Umaro  Embalo and Fernando Dias – each declared victory.

The coupists, who called themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”, ordered the immediate suspension of the electoral process “until further notice”.

They also ordered the closure of all land, air and sea borders and an overnight curfew.

However, Ihonvbere informed the House that Jonathan, who was in the country on election observation, was trapped following the coup.

He noted: “The government is aware and they are doing everything possible to get him back as quickly and safely as possible.

“Our goal is to urge the government not to relent in that effort, and to use all diplomatic means at its means to get our former president, a true democrat, back to Nigeria immediately.”

The head of the main opposition PAIGC party, Domingos Simoes Pereira, has also been arrested, Haque said. “As well, we’ve just heard that the military is trying to cut off the Internet. There’s a curfew in place.”

The House reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives of all citizens, at home and abroad, remains a matter of urgent national priority and urged the Executive to act without delay.