Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he flew back to Nigeria on an Ivorian aircraft because Côte d’Ivoire secured landing clearance in Guinea-Bissau before Nigeria did.
Sponsored Ads
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum observation mission during the Guinea-Bissau elections, made the clarification in an interview posted on Friday. He said he decided to speak to thank Nigerians for their concern after gunfire around government buildings sparked fears of a coup.
RELATED STORIES
Related Posts
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
He explained that both President Bola Tinubu and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire had arranged jets to evacuate him and his team. But the Ivorian aircraft received approval first because of its closer ties and quicker access within the region.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Jonathan said the Nigerian jet eventually got clearance, but by then the Ivorian team was already airborne, so he asked Abuja to stand down.
He expressed gratitude to both presidents and to Nigerians for their concern and support throughout the incident.
Comments are closed.