The House of Representatives has called upon the Federal Government (FG) to deploy all necessary diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Jonathan is currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup.
He was in the West African nation as part of a joint election monitoring mission representing the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).
The mission was present to observe the country’s presidential election, which took place over the weekend.
READ ALSO: FG moves to secure Jonathan’s safe return from coup-torn Guinea-Bissau
During their plenary session on Thursday, the day after the coup, members of the House also extended their appeal to the FG, urging it to ensure the rescue of other Nigerian citizens similarly trapped in Guinea-Bissau.
Military officers in Guinea-Bissau seized power and suspended the nation’s electoral process just three days after the legislative and presidential polls.
They also ordered the closure of the country’s borders.
On Wednesday afternoon, General Denis N’Canha, head of the military office of the presidency, announced that a command composed of all branches of the armed forces was assuming leadership of the country “until further notice.”
The announcement was read out while General N’Canha was surrounded by armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was reportedly favoured to win Sunday’s vote, later stated he was arrested while inside the presidential palace.
Other key officials detained included the chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and the interior minister, Botche Cande.
International bodies condemn takeover
Election observers from ECOWAS and the AU, along with the Nigerian government, swiftly denounced the military takeover as “unacceptable.”
In separate statements, the international observer missions expressed “deep concern” that the coup was announced while the nation was awaiting election results.
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The mission noted the timing was particularly regrettable as they just concluded a meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people.
The regional bodies have demanded a prompt return to democratic governance.
