The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to guarantee the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup.
Jonathan was in the country as part of a joint African Union, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum election observation mission when the coup occurred over the weekend. Lawmakers described the situation as urgent and demanded that all available government channels be used to secure his safety.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew attention to the matter during Thursday’s plenary, highlighting the need to act swiftly amid the unfolding crisis.
Julius Ihonvbere, the Leader of the House, said Jonathan’s extensive experience in election monitoring, including in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, and South Africa, underscores his value in regional democratic processes.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup, and while we are not debating the political situation there, his safety is a matter of national importance,” Ihonvbere said.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda supported the call, stressing that Jonathan’s international democratic engagement should not be jeopardised and that other Nigerians caught in Guinea-Bissau must also be protected. He noted the importance of government action to safeguard all citizens abroad.
The House subsequently passed a motion urging the FG to prioritise Jonathan’s return and to extend support to all affected Nigerians in the West African nation.
The crisis escalated after Guinea-Bissau’s military announced a takeover of the government, suspended the electoral process, and closed borders, just days after presidential and legislative elections were held.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, widely expected to win, was reportedly confined to a building near military headquarters, raising fears over political instability.
Reps described the situation as a critical test for Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic strength in the region. They emphasised the need for coordinated efforts with ECOWAS and the African Union to resolve the crisis peacefully and ensure the protection of all Nigerians present in the country.
The motion received broad support across party lines, reflecting the lawmakers’ consensus that Jonathan’s security and well-being are of national significance. Lawmakers insisted that the Federal Government must act swiftly and decisively to avert further risk to Nigerians caught in Guinea-Bissau during the military upheaval.
Chinda said, “The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad. The government must act immediately to bring all our citizens to safety.”
The House also urged the FG to maintain close monitoring of the situation and to coordinate with international partners to mitigate any threats. Members called for a transparent and proactive approach to safeguard Nigeria’s reputation and the security of its citizens in the region.
Jonathan’s safe return is not only a matter of concern for former leadership but also a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad. Lawmakers reaffirmed that all diplomatic avenues must be leveraged until the crisis is fully resolved and all Nigerians are safely repatriated.