- Reps Demand Urgent Action To Rescue Jonathan From Guinea Bissau
- Coup forces halt election, shut borders and impose strict curfew.
- Observers stranded as military detains opposition leader and blocks communication.
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently trapped in Guinea Bissau after a military coup disrupted the country’s electoral process.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere during Thursday’s plenary in Abuja. He informed lawmakers that Jonathan, who travelled to the country on an election observation mission, became stranded on Wednesday when soldiers seized power just as official results were about to be announced.
Reports indicated that hundreds of foreign observers rushed to the airport in an attempt to leave the country shortly after news of the coup broke but were unable to depart as the situation escalated. Military officers operating under the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order announced that they had taken full control and suspended the electoral process until further notice. They also ordered the closure of all land, air and sea borders and imposed a night curfew.
Tension heightened after the two leading candidates, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias, each declared victory separately before collation was completed. Observers also reported that Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the main opposition party, was arrested by the military.
Political analyst Haque confirmed the arrest while raising concern about widespread internet disruptions, noting that the military appeared to be cutting off communication within the country. The officer reported to be leading the takeover, Denis N’Canha, previously served as head of the presidential guard.
Calling for swift intervention, Ihonvbere urged the Federal Government to act without delay to ensure Jonathan’s safe extraction from the troubled nation. He stressed that every available diplomatic channel must be explored to guarantee his return.
