Foreign Affairs Ministry Confirms Ex-President Jonathan Safe, Says He Was Not in Guinea-Bissau During Coup Scare
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured the public that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe and was never in Guinea-Bissau during the reported coup attempt.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is “very safe” and was not in Guinea-Bissau at the time of the alleged coup attempt that caused tension in the West African nation.
The clarification comes after widespread reports suggested that Jonathan, who serves as an ECOWAS Special Envoy, might have been present in the country when gunfire was heard near key government institutions. The rumour quickly sparked worry among Nigerians and diplomatic observers.
In an official statement issued on Monday, the ministry dismissed the reports as false and misleading, stressing that the former president was not on assignment in Guinea-Bissau at the time of the unrest.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe. He was not in Guinea-Bissau when the incident occurred,” the statement read.
Officials added that Jonathan had concluded earlier assignments in the region and had returned safely before the crisis unfolded.
The ministry also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that such reports could create unnecessary fear and heighten diplomatic tension across the sub-region.
Guinea-Bissau, which has a long history of political instability, witnessed another round of chaos after soldiers reportedly clashed with elements loyal to the country’s interior ministry. Authorities are still assessing the situation as regional bodies monitor developments closely.
Meanwhile, Jonathan’s media team also confirmed his safety, assuring Nigerians that the former president remains fully engaged in his peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
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