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Nigeria Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup
Nigeria condemns the Guinea-Bissau military coup, urging restoration of democracy, protection of election observers, and accountability for perpetrators
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a severe threat to democracy and regional stability, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday.
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In a statement released by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed “profound dismay and deep concern” over the unconstitutional takeover, highlighting the coup’s violation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“The Nigerian Government condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only in Guinea-Bissau but across West Africa,” the statement said.
Nigeria reaffirmed its support for the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the security of detained officials, and respect for democratic institutions.
The government also urged authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the safety of foreign election observers still in the country.
“The Federal Government calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people expressed through their ballots,” the statement added.
The coup unfolded on Wednesday, just three days after general elections, as military officers declared “total control” of the country, imposed an overnight curfew, and suspended all electoral activities.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and access roads were blocked. General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, said the takeover was being implemented “until further notice” amid claims of a plot involving drug lords and weapon imports to alter the constitutional order.
Incumbent President Umaro Embaló reported being deposed in a phone interview with France24, while both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had already declared victory, leaving the nation in political turmoil.
The armed forces also suspended media programming, and the National Electoral Commission confirmed attacks on its offices by unidentified armed men.
ECOWAS and African Union election observers condemned the military action, warning it threatens the democratic process.
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Nigeria pledged to work closely with regional and international partners to restore constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau and emphasised its ongoing commitment to democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.
Reps seek federal relief for Edo tanker explosion victims, urging NEMA aid, market rehabilitation and urgent repairs to the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials, financial assistance and rehabilitation support to victims of the deadly petrol tanker explosion at Oluku in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
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The lawmakers also urged the government to repair dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku to reduce the risk of similar disasters.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Omosede Igbinedion, a lawmaker representing a constituency in Edo State, during plenary on Wednesday, October 21.
The Edo tanker explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, when a petrol tanker reportedly lost control and overturned near Oluku Market, spilling fuel that later ignited and spread to nearby businesses.
According to the motion, the fire caused fatalities and serious injuries while destroying shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property.
The damage also left traders and their families facing substantial financial losses and the loss of their livelihoods.
Presenting the motion, Igbinedion said the incident had caused widespread hardship, with some victims losing their savings and facing mounting financial difficulties.
She also raised concerns about reports of severe burns among survivors, some of whom reportedly required emergency treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities.
The lawmaker said the scale of the destruction required federal intervention to complement the Edo State Government’s response.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for visiting the scene and affected victims, as well as pledging to rebuild the damaged market and support traders.
However, she argued that additional assistance was necessary to provide immediate relief, restore livelihoods and help affected families recover from the disaster.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief materials, financial support and rehabilitation assistance to victims.
It also called on the Federal Government to work with the Edo State Government to rebuild the affected market and support the recovery of businesses disrupted by the fire.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to inspect and urgently rehabilitate dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku.
In another resolution, the House directed the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, fuel spillage, evacuation efforts and subsequent fire.
The agencies were also asked to recommend preventive measures, particularly along major highways where fuel tankers operate close to markets, shops and residential communities.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of attempting to collect fuel from overturned tankers. Spilled petrol can ignite rapidly, exposing people nearby to potentially fatal fires and explosions.
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The House’s resolutions seek to address both the immediate needs of affected residents and the wider safety concerns raised by the disaster. Federal assistance, road repairs and a thorough investigation are expected to support recovery efforts and help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
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