Jonathan back in Nigeria after emergency evacuation from Guinea-Bissau

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to the country after he was safely evacuated from Guinea-Bissau in the wake of a sudden military takeover in the West African nation.

Jonathan touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday evening.

A video circulating online and obtained by Very Nigerian captured the moment he disembarked from a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft, where a team of officials and supporters received him.

https://twitter.com/theverynigerian/status/1994163668070842854

The former Nigerian leader had been in the country as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, deployed to monitor last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections.

However, the mission was disrupted after soldiers announced they had taken control of the government.

While reports emerged suggesting Jonathan was stranded, the House of Representatives on Thursday urged the federal government to activate diplomatic channels to secure his safe return.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that Jonathan and his delegation had been successfully evacuated.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement on Thursday.

“He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”

The military junta in Guinea-Bissau had announced the takeover on Wednesday, suspending the electoral process and stating that they would be in charge “until further notice.”

The federal government has assured that it is working with regional partners to support efforts aimed at restoring constitutional order and normal governance in Guinea-Bissau.

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