The Federal Government of Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma, to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
The minister said she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, describing his return as the culmination of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements facilitated by ECOWAS to promote peace, political stability and understanding in Sierra Leone.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the diplomatic efforts during his stay in Nigeria helped improve relations between Koroma and Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, creating conditions for his eventual return home.
She commended Koroma for what she described as his restraint and statesmanship throughout the period.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” the minister said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stated that sustained diplomatic engagements during Koroma’s stay contributed to resolving the issues that had led to his relocation.
She expressed appreciation to President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability across West Africa.
She also expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to strengthening national reconciliation, peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo joined Odumegwu-Ojukwu in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
The development marks a significant diplomatic step in efforts to consolidate peace and political reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
