….As Reps Call For Diplomatic Intervention
…..Jonathan not trapped; He is safe, out of Guinea-Bissau-FG.
By Attah Ede
Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has been trapped and held back in Guinea-Bissau, after a coup plot was executed in the West African country.
Towards this end, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to use all diplomatic connections to ensure the safety and return of the former Nigeria leader.
The House gave the call during plenary on Thursday, a day after military officers took over power in Guinea-Bissau.
The former president is among African leaders on the joint mission of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Elders Forum who were in the coup-hit Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential election held few days ago.
However, it was gathered within the presidency that efforts are ongoing to ensure the that the former president is safe and come back to Nigeria unhurt.
The House is also urging the Federal Government to rescue Nigerians trapped in Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday said that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau following the military coup that toppled the country’s government.
The spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed this development during his interview with journalists in Abuja, Thursday.
According to him, the former President is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, adding that he left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, had been in the country monitoring last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections before the military announced it had seized power.
The Federal Government however condemned the coup in strong terms, warning that it represents a serious threat to democracy and regional stability..
The military officers suspended the country’s electoral process and closed its borders, three days after the West African nation’s legislative and presidential elections.
On Wednesday, the head of the presidential military office, General Denis N’Canha, told members of the press that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice”.
N’Canha read the announcement seated at a table and surrounded by armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been favoured to win Sunday’s election, was inside a building behind military headquarters, “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior,” a senior officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Embalo later said he was arrested while he was inside the presidential palace.
Also arrested are the chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and the interior minister, Botche Cande.
