President Bola Tinubu has received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja after his return from Guinea-Bissau.
The former president 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.
However, while in the country, there were reports that soldiers had seized power and taken control of key institutions, suspended the electoral process and announced that they would administer the state “until further notice”.
The political tension sparked public concern in Nigeria over Jonathan’s safety and that of the delegation he was leading.
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On Thursday night, the former president was evacuated from Guinea-Bissau and returned to Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after his meeting with Tinubu, Jonathan said his visit was to brief the president on what transpired in Guinea-Bissau.
Jonathan urged the military to release the detained opposition leader, stressing that the election results should determine the next president.
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“I came to brief Mr President so he could have first-hand information,” he said.
“The key thing is that the election was concluded, and the results are known. The winner must be announced. The military must not be removed by force, or lives will be lost.
“ECOWAS leaders should engage with them—they are human beings and know the right thing to do.”
He added that the political unrest in Guinea-Bissau should not be described as a palace coup but rather a “ceremonial coup” and urged a peaceful resolution.
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See photos below.
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