Jonathan Explains Departure from Guinea Bissau, Appreciates Tinubu, Ouattara for Swift Support
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided a detailed explanation regarding his departure from Guinea Bissau following the reported coup attempt that created tension in the West African nation.
Speaking to journalists, Jonathan clarified that he left aboard an aircraft provided by Côte d’Ivoire because the Ivorian authorities secured landing clearance faster than Nigeria.
Jonathan disclosed that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Alassane Ouattara immediately offered to send aircraft to evacuate him and his delegation. He noted that the swift interventions demonstrated strong regional cooperation and personal concern from the two leaders.
“Both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us,” he said, acknowledging the rapid response from Abuja and Abidjan.
He explained that Côte d’Ivoire’s proximity to Guinea Bissau and the close relationship between Francophone and Lusophone countries enabled the Ivorian plane to obtain landing approval more quickly. “Somehow, you know, Cote d’Ivoire is closer to Guinea-Bissau. And there is always some relationship between Francophone countries and the Lusophones… They were able to penetrate their system to get landing permit first before Nigeria could do that,” he stated.
According to him, once the Ivorian aircraft was already en route, his team advised the Nigerian government not to dispatch another plane to avoid duplication. Jonathan stressed that this decision was purely logistical and not a reflection of any delay or failure on Nigeria’s part. “So when we learned about the Nigerian aircraft about leaving, we asked them not to bother,” he explained.
The former president also used the opportunity to express deep gratitude to President Tinubu for his readiness to assist. “I sincerely appreciate Nigerians… And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu,” he said, emphasizing his appreciation for the Nigerian leader’s swift concern and support during the tense hours in Bissau.
Jonathan further thanked President Ouattara for the role Côte d’Ivoire played in facilitating his safe exit. “We thank the two presidents, President Ouattara, President Tinubu, and indeed thank Nigerians,” he added, highlighting the collaborative efforts that ensured the safety of his delegation.
Expressing emotion as he spoke, Jonathan admitted that he ordinarily avoids media engagements. However, he felt compelled to address the nation directly due to the outpouring of concern from Nigerians. “Since I left office, I’ve always been scared talking to the media. But in this particular case, I decided to speak… first and foremost, to thank Nigerians for the show of empathy,” he said, acknowledging the widespread anxiety that followed reports of instability in Guinea Bissau.
The former president concluded by appreciating citizens across all divides for their prayers and solidarity, describing it as deeply touching and reassuring.
