BREAKING: Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Trapped in Guinea-Bissau Amid Sudden Coup Turmoil
By Paul Ebi
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission, is reportedly trapped in the country following a sudden outbreak of political unrest and an attempted coup.
Sources within the observer mission confirm that all borders in Guinea-Bissau have been shut down, grounding movements in and out of the country. Despite the tense atmosphere, officials say Jonathan remains safe, and no harm has been reported to him or other WAEF delegates.
The unexpected crisis has triggered loud public concern across Nigeria, with many insisting that the Nigerian government must take decisive diplomatic action.
Calls for Nigerian Government to Intervene
Public commentators and civic groups are urging the Federal Government to “rise to its responsibility as the Giant of Africa” by taking the lead in resolving the unfolding constitutional crisis.
Some strongly worded appeals circulating online call for:
Urgent evacuation of Jonathan and the WAEF team, potentially through coordinated Nigerian Air Force support.
Diplomatic or peace-restoration deployment (not invasion) aimed at stabilising the situation and returning governance to the democratically elected authorities in Guinea-Bissau.
Advocates argue that military disruption of democratic processes threatens the sovereignty and future stability of West African states—an issue Nigeria, as a regional power, “cannot ignore.”
Democracy: ‘Go to Court, Not to the Barracks’
Commentators emphasise that election disputes should be resolved legally, not through force, insisting:
> “Democracy is law and order. If you are not satisfied with the result, the court is there. No one should take the law into their hands.”
They stress that the law is supreme, and military interference undermines decades of democratic progress across the continent.
Online Reactions: Outrage, Satire and Anxiety
As updates continue to trickle in, Nigerians have taken to social media—mixing outrage with humour, frustration, and disbelief.Some comments include:
“At least let them bring back our Goodluck. They can take Tulumbu in exchange—we no mind.”
“When Trump wanted to visit Nigeria, you people said sovereignty. Now you want to fly military into Guinea-Bissau?”
“If Baba Jona escapes this one, he won’t supervise any African election again. Africa is not ready for democracy.”
“I laugh in Guinea-Bissau language… When there’s fire on the mountain in Nigeria without solution, they want to restore peace in another country.”
Others downplay inflammatory comments from certain individuals—“If you know the meaning of Atanda, you won’t take some of his statements seriously.”
Despite the humour, the dominant theme remains deep concern for Jonathan’s safety.
Hope for Calm and Safe Return
While tensions remain high in Guinea-Bissau, observers are optimistic that former President Jonathan and the WAEF delegation will return safely once order is restored.
One commenter summed up widespread sentiment:
> “Whatever happens, let them bring back our Goodluck. He will return safely by God’s grace.”
As the situation unfolds, the international community—especially within ECOWAS and the AU—is expected to closely monitor developments and push for a peaceful resolution.
