By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown, bringing an end to more than two years of temporary relocation in Abuja. He was seen off at the airport by Goodluck Jonathan former president while Olusegun Obasanjo former President joined the delegation in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
In a statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who also escorted Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, describes the return as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
She says Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria in January 2024 followed engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at promoting peace, stability, and political understanding in Sierra Leone.
Speaking in Freetown, Bianca Ojukwu points out that Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria in January 2024 followed interventions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at promoting peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
She notes that the process helped ease tensions and foster greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president.
According to her, sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government, and other stakeholders during Koroma’s stay in Nigeria contributed to resolving the issues that necessitated his temporary relocation.
Bianca Ojukwu also expresses appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma, and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
She reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order, and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return will further strengthen national reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
