The military seized power in Guinea-Bissau last Wednesday, just days after the country’s controversial presidential and legislative elections. In the aftermath, the military suspended the electoral process, closed the nation’s borders, and halted the announcement of election results.

Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum, WAEF, Election Observer Mission to Guinea-Bissau, met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Saturday to provide a detailed, first-hand account of the situation.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Jonathan explained that, as a former president and WAEF mission leader, it was customary for him to brief the sitting president on such developments. He emphasized that providing accurate, up-to-date information would help Tinubu better represent Nigeria’s interests at the upcoming Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, summit.

“In ECOWAS, after such assignments, it is customary to brief the president so that leaders receive first-hand information,” Jonathan said.

The former president confirmed that the vote tallying in Guinea-Bissau had been completed, underscoring the need for the official announcement of the election results. He urged ECOWAS leaders to engage with the military authorities in Guinea-Bissau, calling for the restoration of constitutional order.

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Jonathan also suggested that, if the military agrees, the declared winner of the election should be inaugurated. He stressed the importance of resolving Africa’s recurring political crises through peaceful dialogue rather than military intervention.

In his briefing, Jonathan also called for the immediate release of Fernando Diaz, the opposition candidate who has been detained by the military. Jonathan stated that Diaz had not declared himself the winner of the election and therefore should not have been arrested.

“There was no reason to arrest him. He didn’t proclaim himself president. They should free him and announce the results,” Jonathan asserted.

Describing the military takeover as a “ceremonial coup,” Jonathan emphasized that it was not an attempt to seize power but rather an unfortunate disruption of the democratic process. He reiterated the need for ECOWAS to engage diplomatically with the military to restore peace without resorting to violence.

“We don’t want any more negative stories coming out of Africa. This was not a palace coup, and we don’t want to push out the military by force. People will die. ECOWAS should engage them. They know the right thing to do,” Jonathan concluded.

SOURCE: CHANNELS

The post Jonathan Briefs Tinubu on Guinea-Bissau’s Political Crisis, Urges Dialogue appeared first on Afinju FM.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting in Birnin Kebbi, the group described Jonathan as “the only man capable of redeeming the PDP and restoring Nigeria’s unity.” It called for a coordinated media campaign, especially in the North, to mobilise support for his candidacy and promote the party’s renewed agenda.

The group reaffirmed confidence in PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, commending his reconciliation efforts but warning against party leaders allegedly working with the ruling APC. It urged disciplinary action against members engaged in anti-party activities.

According to the group’s coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, “Dr. Jonathan remains a symbol of peace and stability who never abandoned the PDP. He is the man to restore hope.”

Read Also: “We want Goodluck Jonathan to contest” – Agbakahi

They dismissed concerns about his eligibility to contest, saying the matter had long been resolved. The group also insisted that the PDP still enjoys strong grassroots support in the North and urged members to unite ahead of the general election.

Jonathan’s potential return has reportedly sparked internal debate within the PDP over the party’s choice of candidate for the next election.

Source: Punch

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Speaking at the launch of Scars, a memoir by retired military chief Lucky Irabor, Jonathan said his administration set up several committees to initiate dialogue with the insurgents. During one of these efforts, the group named Buhari as their preferred negotiator.

Jonathan said he had hoped that with Buhari’s emergence as president, peace talks would have been easier, but the insurgency persisted. “I thought that since they nominated Buhari, he could have convinced them to surrender. But Boko Haram is still active today,” he said.

The former president described the conflict as far more complex than often portrayed. “If you interview 100 people, you’ll get only fragments of the story. I was there. We tried different strategies, but nothing worked. It’s more than hunger. The weapons they used showed there were external hands involved.”

Jonathan noted that his administration explored various military and non-military approaches, but the crisis remained unresolved. He urged the current government to consider a “carrot-and-stick” strategy.

He also reflected on the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, calling it a “permanent scar” on his presidency. He expressed hope that someday, leaders of Boko Haram would document their motivations to provide deeper insight into the insurgency.

Read Also: “We want Goodluck Jonathan to contest” – Agbakahi

Boko Haram, which emerged in the early 2000s, became a major threat following the death of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf. In 2012, the group reportedly named Buhari as a trusted figure for potential negotiations. Buhari rejected the offer, accusing Jonathan’s government of trying to politicize the situation.

Jonathan concluded by urging military leaders involved in the fight to document their experiences to provide a clearer historical record.

Source: Punch

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