Reps Urge Federal Government to Ensure Goodluck Jonathan’s Safe Return After Guinea-Bissau Coup

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately activate diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is reportedly in Guinea-Bissau following a recent coup in the country.

The call was made during Thursday’s plenary, which had initially focused on the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu drew attention to what he described as an “urgent matter,” before yielding the floor to the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.

Ihonvbere informed lawmakers that Jonathan—celebrated globally for his peaceful concession after the 2015 presidential election—was in Guinea-Bissau on an international election-monitoring mission when the coup took place. He recalled that Jonathan had previously monitored elections in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania and South Africa on behalf of ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union and Nigeria.

“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere said. He emphasised that although the House was not debating the coup itself, Jonathan’s safety was “a matter of national importance,” and assured members that relevant authorities were already working to ensure his safe return.

Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, backed the call, praising Jonathan’s democratic contributions and international engagements. He further noted that concern for citizens’ safety should extend to every Nigerian abroad.

“The importance we attach to his life should also apply to every other Nigerian, whether at home or abroad,” Chinda said.

Following deliberations, the House adopted the motion through a voice vote, urging the Federal Government to utilise every diplomatic channel available to facilitate Jonathan’s return.

The resolution reaffirmed that the safety of all Nigerians—including former leaders—must remain central to both foreign and domestic policy.

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