The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe in Guinea-Bissau following the military coup that seized control of the West African nation this week.
A senior government source told Vanguard newspaper on Thursday that arrangements are underway to facilitate the return of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials.
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The source disclosed that a multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, is currently present in Guinea-Bissau to support the safety of Jonathan and other officials in the country.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure its security and facilitate its return,” the source stated.
Jonathan is among a group of 36 high-profile observers who travelled to Guinea-Bissau for the presidential election held on Sunday, November 23.
He was there as part of a joint mission for the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).
Military officers declared “total control” of Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, closing borders and suspending its electoral process.
This military takeover occurred just three days after the general elections and before the official results were released.
The political turmoil was triggered after both the incumbent President, Umaro Embaló, who was seeking re-election, and his main opponent, Fernando Dias, declared themselves winners of the presidential election, despite the electoral commission having not yet published official results.
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Earlier, the FG condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
