President Bola Tinubu has received former President GoodluckJonathan at the State House in Abuja after his return from Guinea-Bissau. The former president was in Guinea-Bissau as head of theWest African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor the country’spresidential and legislative elections held last Sunday. However, while in the country, there were reports thatsoldiers had seized power and taken control of key institutions, suspended theelectoral process and announced that they would administer the state “untilfurther notice”. The political tension sparked public concern in Nigeria overJonathan’s safety and that of the delegation he was leading. On Thursday night, the former president was evacuated fromGuinea-Bissau and returned to Nigeria. Speaking shortly after his meeting with Tinubu, Jonathansaid his visit was to brief the president on what transpired in Guinea-Bissau. Jonathan urged the military to release the detainedopposition leader, stressing that the election results should determine thenext president. “I came to brief Mr President so he could have first-handinformation,” he said. “The key thing is that the election was concluded, and theresults are known. The winner must be announced. The military must not beremoved by force, or lives will be lost. “ECOWAS leaders should engage with them—they are humanbeings and know the right thing to do.” He added that the political unrest in Guinea-Bissau shouldnot be described as a palace coup but rather a “ceremonial coup” and urged apeaceful resolution. See photos below.
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