L-R: Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo accompany ex-Sierra Leonian President Ernest Bai Koroma on his return to Freetown on Sunday. CREDIT: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma, to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, adding that she had accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu.
She said Koroma’s return marked the conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.
According to the minister, Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by ECOWAS aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.
She said the process helped create conditions for improved understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
“His (Koroma) conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister noted that sustained engagements during Koroma’s stay in Nigeria contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated his relocation.
She expressed appreciation to Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability.
She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
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