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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday bid farewell to former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma as he departed Nigeria for Freetown after spending more than two years in the country.
Koroma's return follows the Sierra Leonean government's decision to withdraw treason and other criminal charges against him, paving the way for his homecoming and renewed efforts at national reconciliation.
Describing Koroma as his "dear friend and brother," Jonathan expressed delight that the former Sierra Leonean leader was finally able to return home after what he described as an extended stay in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria had served as Koroma's "home away from home" during the period and revealed that he and other stakeholders had quietly encouraged dialogue with the Sierra Leonean authorities to facilitate a peaceful and dignified resolution.
Jonathan said he was pleased that the engagement had culminated in Koroma's safe return to Sierra Leone.
He wished the former president a safe journey and expressed hope that his return would foster healing, reconciliation and renewed hope for Koroma, his family and the people of Sierra Leone.
Koroma's homecoming is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening national unity and advancing peace after the political and legal challenges that kept him outside the country for more than two years.
