Jonathan Returns To Nigeria After Being Trapped In Coup-Hit Guinea-Bissau
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to Nigeria after being trapped in coup-hit Guinea-Bissau where he went for election observation.
Jonathan arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja late Thursday, about two days after military officers took over power in the West African country.
He arrived at the Abuja airport aboard a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft and was welcomed on the tarmac by team of supporters and government officials.
The former president was in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential and parliamentary elections as head of the West African Elders Forum Observation Mission.
His team, that of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), were still carrying out their duties when the military struck in Guinea-Bissau.
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The development left the former Bayelsa governor stranded, alongside others in the observation team, raising concerns over his safety.
However, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ex-president is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” the spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said.
“He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Ibm Chambas.”
Guinea-Bissau military officers “total control” of the country on Wendnesday.
They suspended the nation’s electoral process and closed its borders, days after presidential and legislative elections.
Following the coup, the head of the presidential military office, General Denis N’Canha, said a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice”.
The officers arrested President Umaro Embalo, who had been favoured to win Sunday’s election.
A day after the coup, it named the chief of staff of the army, General Horta N’Tam, as the country’s new leader for one year.