The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that former President Goodluck Jonathan will return safely from Guinea Bissau, where he is currently leading the Economic Community of West African States election observation mission.
The assurance followed growing public concerns after reports of political tension after the country’s disputed general election. Jonathan, who is the ECOWAS Special Envoy, is in Guinea Bissau as part of regional efforts to ensure a credible and peaceful democratic process.
Reacting to the concerns on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government remains in constant communication with relevant regional and international security authorities to guarantee the former president’s safety.
According to him, Jonathan is carrying out his assignment in line with ECOWAS protocols and is adequately protected by both host nation security and international security arrangements. He added that there was no cause for panic, assuring Nigerians that the situation was under control.
The minister further emphasized that Nigeria values the life of every citizen, including former leaders who continue to serve the nation at the international level. He said President Bola Tinubu is regularly briefed on developments surrounding the mission.
Sources within the foreign affairs community also confirmed that contingency measures had been activated should the security situation in Guinea Bissau change unexpectedly.
Jonathan, who previously served as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has remained a key figure in conflict resolution and democratic advocacy across West Africa since leaving office.
His mission in Guinea Bissau is expected to end after the submission of the final election observation report to ECOWAS.
