Coup: Jonathan Returns To Nigeria From Guinea-Bissau

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to Abuja after he was evacuated from Guinea- Bissau, after a military coup, in the west African nation.

The former President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, The Guardian reports

Goodluck Jonathan was seen descending the stairs of a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft on Thursday night in a viral video, showing a warm reception from a group of supporters.

The former President was in the west African nation, as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections before Wednesday’s military action to remove the government.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” had assumed leadership of the country “until further notice.”

Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló told France24 by phone, “I have been deposed.” AFP reported that he was inside a building near the military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior.”

Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory in Sunday’s polls, with provisional results expected on Thursday.