- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has explained reason behind being airlifted by Ivorian aircraft and not Nigerian aircraft after being stranded in Guinea-Bissau over military coup in the country.
NPO Reported that the ex-Nigerian President had travelled to Guinea-Bissau alongside other foreign observers to monitor the controversial presidential election held last week in the country.
Despite being marred with controversies especially with the disqualification of a main opposition candidate, the election result was scheduled to be announced on Thursday with incumbent President Umaro Embalo reported to have swept the poll.
Things would however take a sharp twist on Wednesday as a group of military leaders took over power following the reported arrest and detention of Embalo in what can be described as a palace coup.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Nigeria for the show of empathy and encouragement while we are in Bissau and this called coup happened.
“The information we got was that the whole country was agitated, both young and old, irrespective of religious or political divide.
“We must sincerely appreciate Nigerians and I want them to hear directly from my mouth that we see their concern.
“And secondly, I thank my President Tinubu, the Ivorian President, Ouattara. Both President was to send aircraft to lift us.
“But somehow, you know Cote D’Ivoire is closer to Guinea Bissau and there is a certain relationship between Francophone countries and Lusophone countries. They were able to get landing permit first before Nigeria could do that.
“The Ivorian aircraft was already on their way to pick us. When we learnt that Nigerian aircraft was about leaving, we asked them not to bother.” Jonathan said.