Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to Nigeria after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover in the West African country.
The former president arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday evening.
A video of his arrival showed Jonathan stepping off a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft at the Abuja airport as supporters and officials gathered to receive him.
He was in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor the country’s presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.
His delegation was still carrying out its assignment when soldiers announced they had seized control of the government.
Amid reports that Jonathan was stranded, the house of representatives on Thursday asked the federal government to explore diplomatic measures to secure his safe return.
The federal government later confirmed his evacuation in a statement.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement earlier today.
“He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
On Wednesday, military officers in the Portuguese-speaking country announced a takeover, suspended the country’s electoral process, and declared they would be in control “until further notice”.
The Nigerian government said it would work closely with partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the “swift return” to normality and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.
