The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to use every diplomatic avenue to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently in Guinea-Bissau amid a military coup.
Jonathan is part of a joint mission from the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum, monitoring the presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau held over the weekend. The House also urged the government to ensure the safety of Nigerians caught in the country during the crisis. The appeal came during Thursday’s plenary, a day after the military seized power.
The coup occurred just three days after Guinea-Bissau’s legislative and presidential elections. Military officers have suspended the electoral process and closed the country’s borders. On Wednesday, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command composed of all branches of the armed forces had taken control “until further notice.” The announcement was made in front of armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, widely expected to win Sunday’s election, was reportedly held inside a building near the military headquarters alongside his chief of staff and interior minister. Embalo later confirmed that he had been arrested inside the presidential palace. Others detained include General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and Interior Minister Botche Cande.
The coup has drawn strong condemnation from ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Nigerian government. In separate statements, they described the takeover as unacceptable and called for a return to democratic governance. Observers expressed “deep concern” over the armed forces’ actions, noting that the announcement came just after meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom had pledged to respect the people’s choice.
