‘Why I Returned to Nigeria on Ivorian Jet’ — Goodluck Jonathan Explains Evacuation After Guinea‑Bissau Coup!

‘Why I Returned to Nigeria on Ivorian Jet’ — Goodluck Jonathan Explains Evacuation After Guinea‑Bissau Coup!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why he flew back to Nigeria aboard an Ivorian aircraft after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau — following the military takeover that plunged the country into crisis. [1]

“Both presidents (Bola Tinubu and Alassane Ouattara) arranged aircraft to lift us, but Côte d’Ivoire secured landing clearance first,” Jonathan said, explaining why the Ivorian jet arrived before a Nigerian evacuation flight could. [1]

What Actually Happened

• Jonathan was in Guinea‑Bissau as head of a joint election‑observation mission when the coup unfolded on November 26, 2025. [2]
• With borders sealed and unrest growing, both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire offered evacuation flights. Côte d’Ivoire’s jet got the earlier landing permit, enabling faster departure. [1]
• When the Ivorian aircraft was en route, Jonathan and his delegation were notified the Nigerian jet had also been cleared — but by then, the Ivorian flight was already in motion. He said they asked the Nigerian plane not to proceed to avoid duplication. [1]

Why It Matters

The evacuation highlights how fragile security — and diplomatic processes — can become during sudden crises in West Africa.

• Jonathan’s transparent explanation aims to quell public curiosity and speculation around his return. It also underscores regional cooperation: a foreign government stepping in to help a former head of state from another country.
• The episode has sparked debate around national capacity for emergency evacuations, and whether more proactive measures are needed for Nigerian envoys abroad.

What to Watch

• Government reaction: whether Nigeria reviews its evacuation procedures following the criticism over delayed response.
• Regional diplomacy: the role of friendly nations like Côte d’Ivoire in cross‑border support during crises.
• Public sentiment and discourse: especially among Nigerians questioning why a foreign jet was needed to evacuate a former president from a neighbouring country.

Citations:

1. Punch: punchng.com/why-i-returned-to-nigeria-on-ivorian-jet-jonathan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/world/africa/ex-president-jonathan-other-foreign-observers-stranded-in-guinea-bissau-after-coup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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