…Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Obasanjo escort exiled leader to Freetown
Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown, following more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the development as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
She said 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.
According to her, the process helped foster greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and Koroma, creating the conditions for his temporary stay in Nigeria.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. The minister said sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated Koroma’s relocation.
She commended President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace, adding that Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.
