The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to activate all diplomatic channels to secure the quick and safe return of Nigeria’s Former President, Goodluck Jonathan from crisis-torn Guinea-Bissau.
This resolution followed the adoption of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance moved by Julius Ihonvbere, the House Majority Leader during special plenary session on Thursday.
Former President Jonathan and several high-level dignitaries were stranded after the military announced a takeover on Wednesday, grounding all flights and restricting movement in and out of Guinea-Bissau.
Read also: Goodluck Jonathan, other African leaders trapped in Guinea-Bissau after military coup
The development occurred on the eve of the planned announcement of results from Sunday’s highly contested presidential election.
Ihonvbere informed the House that the former Nigerian Leader was in Guinea-Bissau as Head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), serving as part of an international observer mission.
“Our goal is to urge the government not to relent in the effort to bring the former president back, and to use all diplomatic means at its means to get our former President, a true democrat, back to Nigeria immediately.” the House Leader said.
The motion, was unanimously adopted by the House, and urged the executive to act without delay.
The House also reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives of all citizens, at home and abroad, remains a matter of urgent national priority.
