Jonathan Briefs Tinubu On ‘Ceremonial Coup’ In Guinea-Bissau, Calls For Dialogue
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has briefed President Bola Tinubu on the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau following its disputed presidential election and subsequent military takeover.
Military officers seized power in Guinea-Bissau last Wednesday, three days after the country’s disputed presidential and legislative elections. The officers immediately suspended the electoral process, closed the nation’s borders, and halted the announcement of the election results.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission to the country, met with Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Saturday, where he provided a detailed, first-hand account of the turmoil that followed the military intervention.
Briefing journalists after the visit, Jonathan said it is customary for him, as a former President, to brief the sitting President on the situation in the West African nation. He explained that providing a detailed account would keep the President informed and enable him to brief the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during its summit.
“In ECOWAS, when you return from such assignments, you brief your President so leaders get first-hand information,” Jonathan said.
He noted that the tallying of votes in Guinea-Bissau had been concluded and stressed that the winner of the election must be formally announced. The former Bayelsa State governor also urged leaders of the regional bloc to engage with the military authorities to restore constitutional order.
Jonathan insisted that the declared winner should be inaugurated if the military authorities agree, adding that Africa must move past frequent political crises. He further called for the immediate release of the detained opposition candidate, Fernando Diaz, stating that he had committed no offence and had never proclaimed himself the winner.“There was no reason to arrest him. He didn’t announce himself as president. They should free him and announce the result.
“We are tired of negative stories. What happened was not a palace coup. It wasn’t even close. I described it as a ceremonial coup.
“We’re not pushing out the military by force. People will die. ECOWAS should engage them. They know the right thing to do,” he added.
