₦airaland Forum

The former President returned to Abuja on Thursday following his evacuation from Guinea-Bissau after a military coup. He landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after being airlifted from Guinea-Bissau in the wake of the takeover.

He thanked the President of Ivory Coast and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria for sending planes to lift him from Bissau.

DAILY POST reports that Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as part of a joint election observer mission deployed by the African Union, AU, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum to monitor the presidential and legislative elections.

However, military authorities in the country on Wednesday declared that they had assumed full control. They also announced the suspension of all electoral activities and the immediate closure of national borders.

Jonathan therefore found himself trapped in Guinea-Bissau following the announcement of the military takeover on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Jonathan said: “I’ve always been scared talking to the media, but in this particular case, I decided to speak to the media. First and foremost, thank Nigerians for the show of empathy, the encouragement while we’re in Bissau, and this so-called coup happened.

“The information we got was that the whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious divides or political divides.

“And I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth, to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu and the President of Ivory Coast.

He said: “I thank President Tinubu & President Ouattara. Both sent planes to evacuate us during the Guinea-Bissau coup. Côte d’Ivoire is closer & got landing permit faster due to regional ties. We asked Nigeria to stand down since the Ivorian plane had arrived.”

Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau serving as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to oversee last Sunday’s presidential and legislative polls.

He arrived in the country to monitor national elections, even as tensions brewed over contested results before the junta finally struck.

And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu and the President of Ivory Coast.

Pakute:
https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/28/ivory-coast-sent-plane-to-lift-me-goodluck-jonathan-narrates-guinea-bissau-coup-ordeal/

Mbanda:
Fake news!!
Tinibu did not send any plane.

Cajal:
Ndo
Mental pain is difficult to endure

Mbanda:
Fake news!!
Tinibu did not send any plane.

Adaisback:
Tinubu that did not know his left from his right will send you plane ? Dey play! Thank you ivorian president. Dear Daddy Jonathan, you don't have to cover up for him, stop being diplomatic in everything. Sometimes say it as it is as wotowoto is allowed

lonecatt:
tinubu sent a butterfly to pick Jonathan while his counterpart sent a real plane .thank God Jonathan didn't enter the butterfly plane to avoid air crash.

commoditiesnig:
SHUT UP!

commoditiesnig:
SHUT UP!