Nigeria welcomes the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Koroma

Nigeria welcomes the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Koroma

From our diplomatic correspondent

Abuja (Core Reporters) Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to the country, after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said his return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.

He said Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria in January 2024 followed Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commitments to promote peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.

According to her, the trial helped create conditions for greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.

“His conduct during this period reflected restraint, statesmanship and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The Minister noted that during his time in Nigeria, sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders had helped resolve the issues that had necessitated his relocation.

He expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remains committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return will further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.

Core Reporters reports that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma to Freetown.