The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to immediately take diplomatic steps to ensure the safe return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is reportedly in Guinea-Bissau following the country’s recent coup.
The issue was raised during a plenary session that was initially addressing the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu introduced the “urgent matter” for the House’s attention, subsequently yielding the floor to the Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.
Ihonvbere informed the lawmakers that Jonathan, who is widely known for peacefully conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election, was in Guinea-Bissau on an international election-monitoring assignment when the military takeover occurred.
He noted Jonathan’s extensive election-monitoring experience in countries including Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, and South Africa on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union, and Nigeria.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said, stressing that while the House was not debating the coup itself, Jonathan’s safety is “a matter of national importance.”
He added that government authorities are aware of the situation and taking steps to ensure his return.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also supported the call, highlighting Jonathan’s democratic contributions and global engagement.
He urged that national concern for safety should extend to all Nigerians abroad.
“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 a resolution by voice vote, urging the Federal Government to use all diplomatic channels to facilitate Jonathan’s safe return.
The resolution underscored that the safety of citizens, including former leaders, should remain a priority in Nigeria’s foreign and domestic policy.
Persecondnews had earlier reported that military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared “total control” of the coup-prone west African country Wednesday, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections.
The military took over after President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and Fernando Dias, his main opponent, declared themselves winners of the presidential election even though the electoral commission had not released official results.
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