By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma, to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria, marking the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied the former Sierra Leonean leader back to his country on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s return represented the outcome of sustained diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Government of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders aimed at promoting peace, stability and political reconciliation.
Koroma was relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following interventions and engagements by ECOWAS to ease political tensions and promote peace and understanding in Sierra Leone.
According to the Minister, the diplomatic process helped create an atmosphere of greater understanding between Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and his predecessor, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
She commended the former president for his conduct throughout the period, describing it as a demonstration of restraint, statesmanship and commitment to a peaceful resolution.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The Minister explained that sustained engagements during Koroma’s stay in Nigeria contributed significantly to addressing the issues that had necessitated his relocation.
She expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace throughout the diplomatic process.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability across West Africa.
She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation, peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the Minister in escorting the former Sierra Leonean President back to Freetown.
Nigeria’s role in facilitating Koroma’s return underscores the country’s continuing diplomatic engagement in promoting peace, dialogue and stability within the ECOWAS region.
