The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene and secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover in the country.
Lawmakers raised the alarm during Thursday’s plenary after the Deputy Speaker drew attention to the developing situation.
He noted that the matter required urgent national attention, prompting the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, to brief members on what he described as a sensitive security concern.
According to Ihonvbere, Jonathan travelled to Guinea-Bissau as part of an international election-monitoring delegation before the coup erupted.
He reminded colleagues that the former president has, over the years, served as an election observer across several African and global countries, representing ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Union and Nigeria.
He told lawmakers that Jonathan had been caught in the middle of events as the country’s military moved to take control.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” he said, stressing that the House was not debating the coup itself but focusing on Jonathan’s safety, which he described as “a matter of national importance.”
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also backed the motion, insisting that the concern should go beyond Jonathan alone.
He said every Nigerian abroad deserves equal protection from the government, regardless of status or position.
Chinda noted Jonathan’s international reputation as a democratic figure and warned that such an incident should not be taken lightly.
Lawmakers eventually adopted the motion through a voice vote, directing the Federal Government to engage all diplomatic and security channels available to ensure Jonathan’s safe return home.
They emphasized that safeguarding the lives of citizens — including former leaders — remains a central responsibility of the Nigerian state.