By Deborah Nnamdi
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to deploy all diplomatic channels to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is reportedly trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the country. Jonathan was in the West African nation as part of a joint mission of the African Union, ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum to observe last weekend’s presidential election.
The lawmakers also asked the government to take urgent steps to evacuate other Nigerians stranded in the coup-hit nation.
Nigeria has strongly condemned the overthrow of Guinea-Bissau’s elected government, demanding an immediate return to constitutional order. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the military takeover as “unfortunate” and “a blatant violation” of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines democratic progress and the stability of the entire West African sub-region,” said ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. Nigeria called for the protection of all detainees, the restoration of democratic institutions, and urged all actors to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue.
The government warned that those responsible for the coup would be held accountable and pledged to work with regional and international partners to ensure a swift return to normalcy.
Guinea-Bissau’s military announced on Wednesday that it had taken “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process and sealed its borders, three days after legislative and presidential elections. General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, declared that a joint command of all armed forces branches would oversee the nation “until further notice.” Incumbent President Umaro Embalo, widely expected to win the election, was arrested.
Election observers from ECOWAS and the African Union also condemned the coup, describing it as an attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic progress and calling for urgent steps to restore constitutional rule.
