The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government of Nigeria to activate all diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe return of Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently stuck in Guinea-Bissau after a military takeover.
Jonathan was in Guinea‑Bissau as part of a joint election‑monitoring mission by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF). The call from the House was extended to include other Nigerians who might also be trapped in the country.
The demand was made during a plenary session on Thursday — one day after military officers seized control in Guinea‑Bissau. Under the takeover, the electoral process was suspended, and the country’s borders were shut.
Soldiers, led by Denis N’Canha, announced that a command comprising all branches of the armed forces was assuming control “until further notice.” Meanwhile, the incumbent president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló — who was widely expected to win the election — along with top officials including the chief of staff and the interior minister were reportedly arrested.
The AU, ECOWAS and Nigeria have condemned the coup. They described it as a direct assault on democratic norms and called for the detained officials to be released and constitutional order restored.
The situation remains volatile, and observers in the region are closely watching whether diplomatic pressure can secure the safe return of stranded individuals and restore democracy in Guinea‑Bissau.
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