Former President Goodluck Jonathan has offered clarification on why he returned to Nigeria on an Ivorian plane after the recent political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau, explaining that President Bola Tinubu had also arranged to send an aircraft, but Côte d’Ivoire obtained landing approval sooner.
Jonathan, who visited the country as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, shared the details in an interview with Symfoni posted on YouTube on Friday. It was his first public statement since gunfire near major government sites in Bissau sparked speculation about a potential coup.
He said he felt it was necessary to address the public “to thank Nigerians for the show of empathy and encouragement” following the incident, adding that he was mindful of the nationwide concern triggered by the reports.
“While we were in Bissau and this so-called coup happened, the information we got was that the whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious or political divides,” he said.
Jonathan noted that both President Tinubu and Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara had arranged evacuation plans for him and his team.
However, the Ivorian authorities received landing permission first, which he attributed to stronger regional ties.
“And I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu, and the Ivorian president, President Ouattara.”
He explained that “both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us,” but Côte d’Ivoire moved faster due to its proximity to Guinea-Bissau and longstanding relations among Francophone and Lusophone nations.
“They were able to penetrate their system to get a a landing permit before Nigeria could do that. So the Ivorian aircraft was already on its way to pick us up,” he said.
Jonathan added that by the time Côte d’Ivoire’s aircraft was already heading toward them, news came that the Nigerian plane had also secured clearance.
“So when we learnt that the Nigerian aircraft were about leaving, we asked them not to bother. That is why, if you see the pictures, I was brought by an Ivorian aircraft,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the two West African leaders “and indeed Nigerians, young and old” for their support during the situation.
“So we thank the two presidents, President Wachara and President Tinubu, and indeed thank Nigerians, young and old, for that,” he said.
