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 on Sunday, saying she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, 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.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by ECOWAS aimed at promoting peace, political understanding and stability in Sierra Leone.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the process helped improve relations between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, creating the conditions for the former leader’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
She praised Koroma’s conduct during the period, describing him as restrained and committed to a peaceful resolution. She also said sustained engagements contributed to addressing the issues that had led to his relocation.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, constitutional order and democratic stability.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
