By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has bid farewell to former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma as he returned to his country Cameroun after spending more than two years in Nigeria.
Jonathan, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, described Koroma as a “dear friend and brother,” expressing happiness that the former Sierra Leonean leader was finally returning to Freetown.
The former Nigerian president said Nigeria had served as Koroma’s “home away from home” for over two years, noting that he was grateful the country was able to provide friendship, support and solidarity to him during the period.
Jonathan disclosed that he and others had worked quietly to encourage dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities in an effort to create conditions for Koroma’s safe and dignified return to his country.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown,” Jonathan stated.
He wished Koroma a safe journey and peace of mind as he begins a new chapter, expressing hope that his return would bring renewed hope and reconciliation to the former president, his family and the people of Sierra Leone.
“President Koroma, I wish you a safe journey, peace of mind and every success in this new chapter. May your return be a moment of renewed hope and reconciliation for you, your family and the people of Sierra Leone,” Jonathan said.
Precise Post recalls that Koroma stay in Nigeria arose from ECOWAS-mediated diplomatic efforts and a court-approved medical relocation.
Further recall that the circumstances began with the November 26, 2023 attempted coup in Sierra Leone. Gunmen attacked military facilities, an armoury and a prison in Freetown, freeing roughly 2,200 inmates. More than 20 people were killed in the violence. The government of President Julius Maada Bio described the incident as an attempted coup
Following a failed coup in November 26, 2023 in Sierra Leone, Sierra Leonean authorities began arresting suspected participants. Attention subsequently turned to people associated with former President Koroma. One of the alleged organisers, Amadu Koita Makalo, a retired army major and former bodyguard of Koroma, was arrested. The government subsequently alleged that Koroma’s former bodyguards were largely responsible for the coup attempt. Koroma himself denied involvement and condemned the violence.
Koroma was summoned for questioning in December 2023 and was subsequently placed under restrictions/house arrest. On January 3, 2024, the Sierra Leonean authorities charged him with treason, misprision of treason and two counts of harbouring in connection with the failed coup.
Against this backdrop, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) became involved diplomatically. There were negotiations aimed at de-escalating the situation and finding a solution that would allow Koroma to leave Sierra Leone, while addressing the government’s concerns.
On January 17, 2024, Sierra Leone’s High Court allowed Koroma to leave the country to seek medical treatment in Nigeria.”
