Family members of former President Goodluck Jonathan have assured Nigerians of his safety following a military coup in Guinea-Bissau that has prevented him from leaving the West African nation.
Robert Azibaola, a cousin to the former president and a Bayelsa-born lawyer, confirmed to Vanguard on Thursday that Jonathan remains secure despite ongoing political turmoil that has complicated evacuation efforts.
“Jonathan has not been able to leave Guinea-Bissau, but he is safe. I have spoken with him severally today,” Azibaola stated. “There is no threat to his life. We are in constant touch with him.”
Azibaola revealed that he had maintained multiple phone conversations with Jonathan throughout Thursday as the situation continued to unfold, emphasizing that the family has kept open communication channels with the former Nigerian leader.
The military takeover occurred on Wednesday when officers announced they had seized control of Guinea-Bissau, disrupting electoral processes following Sunday’s disputed presidential election.
Jonathan was in the country serving as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, monitoring the electoral process when soldiers moved to take power.
The coup has created significant uncertainty across the region, with border closures, intermittent gunfire, and conflicting claims of electoral victory raising alarm throughout West Africa.
In Nigeria, concerns have focused primarily on ensuring Jonathan’s safe departure from Guinea-Bissau as the security situation remains fluid.
The former president’s presence in the country as an election observer has placed him in an unexpectedly precarious position, though family members maintain that while evacuation plans continue, there is currently no immediate danger to his wellbeing.
