Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that both President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire sent aircraft to evacuate him and his delegation during the recent Guinea-Bissau coup evacuation.
Speaking with newsmen, Jonathan explained that the Ivorian aircraft arrived before Nigeria’s because Côte d’Ivoire is geographically closer and secured landing clearance faster through regional arrangements. He said Nigeria was eventually asked to stand down once the Ivorian plane was cleared for the Guinea-Bissau coup evacuation.
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Jonathan expressed gratitude to both leaders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt response ensured the safety of his team during a tense moment. “I thank President Tinubu and President Ouattara. Both sent planes to evacuate us during the coup. Côte d’Ivoire is closer and got landing permit faster,” he said, describing the experience as a coordinated Guinea-Bissau coup evacuation.
Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission before the military took over government operations. Alongside other regional observers, he condemned the coup, calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine the electoral process.