Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been unable to leave Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover, prompting the House of Representatives to call on the Federal Government to secure his safe return.
Jonathan, who was in the country as part of a joint observation mission of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), had travelled to Bissau to monitor last weekend’s presidential election.
During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers urged the government to deploy every diplomatic tool available to ensure Jonathan’s safe evacuation.
They also appealed for assistance for other Nigerians currently stranded in the country.
The appeal comes a day after military officers seized control of the government, suspending the electoral process and shutting the nation’s borders.
On Wednesday, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a unified military command comprising all branches of the armed forces had taken over the leadership of the country “until further notice.”
He made the declaration at a press briefing surrounded by armed soldiers.
According to AFP reports, incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, widely expected to win the election, was detained inside the presidential palace.
Several top officials, including the chief of staff General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traoré, and Interior Minister Botche Candé, were also arrested.
ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Nigerian government have all condemned the military action.
In statements released shortly after the coup announcement, the observer missions expressed deep concern, noting that the armed takeover occurred just after their meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom had pledged to respect the election results.
They called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials.
