Coup: Jonathan trapped in Guinea-Bissau, Reps urge FG to secure safe return
By Jeffrey Agbo
The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to initiate urgent diplomatic action to guarantee the safe return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is reportedly in Guinea-Bissau following a recent coup in the country.
The issue surfaced during a plenary session that initially centred on the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew attention to what he described as an “urgent matter,” after which the Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, took the floor.
Ihonvbere informed lawmakers that Jonathan—widely celebrated for his peaceful concession after the 2015 presidential election—was in Guinea-Bissau on an international election-monitoring mission when the coup erupted. He pointed out Jonathan’s extensive experience monitoring elections in countries such as Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, and South Africa on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union, and the Nigerian government.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said, emphasising that while the House was not debating the coup itself, Jonathan’s safety is “a matter of national importance.” He noted that authorities are aware of the situation and are already working on ensuring his safe return.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda backed the motion, praising Jonathan’s democratic credentials and his international engagements. He stressed that concern for safety should extend to every Nigerian abroad.
“The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad,” Chinda said.
The House then adopted the motion through a voice vote, urging the Federal Government to deploy all necessary diplomatic channels to ensure Jonathan’s safe return.
The resolution reinforced the position that safeguarding citizens—former leaders included—must remain central to Nigeria’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.
