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…call for urgent government action to ensure safe return

…as parliament insist protection must extend to all Nigerians overseas

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to launch immediate diplomacy to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a recent coup.

Lawmakers halted ongoing discussions about domestic issues when the deputy Speaker signalled a matter of urgent national concern.

The House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, informed members that former President Goodluck Jonathan, respected for his peaceful concession in the 2015 election, was in Guinea-Bissau on an election-monitoring assignment at the time of the political upheaval.

He emphasised that the government’s concern should not only be limited to this case but should extend to safeguarding the wellbeing of all Nigerians living or travelling abroad in unstable regions.

“Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been involved in extensive election monitoring around the world  Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, South Africa  on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union and even Nigeria,” Ihonvbere said. “Currently, he is trapped in Guinea-Bissau because of the coup.”

He stressed that while the House was not debating the coup itself, Jonathan’s safety was “a matter of privilege and national importance,” noting that government authorities were already aware of the situation.

“From my own investigations, the government is aware and they are doing everything possible to get him back as quickly and safely as possible. Our goal is to urge the government not to relent in that effort  to use all diplomatic means to get a former president, a true democrat, back to Nigeria immediately,” he added.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda who spoke in support of the motion, described the former President Jonathan as “one of the best civilian presidents” Nigeria has produced. He praised Jonathan’s humility, democratic disposition and global contributions but cautioned that national concern for safety must extend equally to all Nigerians.

“The importance we attach to his life should also be attached to the life of every other Nigerian, whether a former president or not, whether at home or abroad.

“That said, I fully support that the government should do everything possible to ensure that former President Jonathan returns home safely”, Chinda said.

The House unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote, urging the Federal Government to activate all necessary diplomatic channels to ensure Jonathan’s immediate evacuation from Guinea-Bissau.

The House further emphasised that the safety of citizens including former leaders must remain sacrosanct in Nigeria’s foreign and domestic policy.