Goodluck Jonathan evacuation details emerge as the former president explains why an Ivorian aircraft brought him home after Guinea Bissau unrest
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has told Symfoni that the Goodluck Jonathan evacuation from Guinea Bissau followed a coordinated regional effort involving both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
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His remarks were released in an interview posted on Friday, marking his first public explanation since unrest in Bissau triggered national concern.
Jonathan said he felt obliged to address Nigerians directly because the reports of gunfire around government institutions created widespread anxiety at home.
He noted that the empathy shown across the country cut through political and religious lines, which he described as uplifting.
He explained that he was in Guinea Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission when uncertainty swept through the capital.
According to him, both President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara quickly arranged aircraft to evacuate him and his team.
The Ivorian aircraft, he said, secured landing clearance first due to stronger regional links within Francophone and Lusophone networks.
Jonathan added that Nigeria’s jet received approval shortly after. However, by the time the Nigerian clearance came through, the Ivorian aircraft was already airborne and on approach.
He therefore advised the Nigerian crew not to proceed, leading to his eventual return on the Ivorian flight.
The former president used the opportunity to express deep gratitude to both West African leaders and to Nigerians who followed the situation closely.
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He described the public support as a powerful reminder of national unity during moments of uncertainty.
