AYV News, February 11, 2025
A high-level delegation from the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Sierra Leone arrives safely in Abuja, Nigeria to visit former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who is currently in Nigeria for medical treatment.
The delegation comprises National Chairman Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary General, and National Publicity Secretary.
Their visit aims to connect with the former leader and assess his well-being. During their absence, National Organising Secretary Bai Mahmoud Bangura will oversee the party’s affairs, ensuring continuous communication with the National Chairman.
This visit comes in the context of significant legal and political developments.
In January 2024, former President Koroma was granted permission by Sierra Leone’s High Court to travel to Nigeria for specialised medical care, despite facing treason charges related to an alleged coup attempt in November 2023.
The court allowed a three-month period for his treatment, during which his trial was suspended.
Legal Representative for former President Ernest Bai Koroma, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, has revealed that his client is currently in discussions with the ECOWAS and other stakeholders to facilitate his return to Sierra Leone.
He said was compelled to leave Sierra Leone and take up residence in Nigeria against his will.
He said Koroma never intended to leave the country and would have preferred to spend his lifetime in Sierra Leone.
According to JFK, the Bio-led government pressured the former president into leaving, making it impossible for him to remain in the country.
He emphasised that throughout Koroma’s tenure and even during the civil war, he never sought refuge elsewhere, reinforcing his commitment to Sierra Leone.
“Ernest Koroma was forced to leave Sierra Leone. He didn’t leave by choice, nor does he wish to remain in Nigeria. He wants to return home,” JFK asserted. He further revealed that discussions are ongoing with ECOWAS and other stakeholders to facilitate Koroma’s return.
Addressing concerns about Koroma’s health, JFK dismissed speculation, insisting that the former president is in good health.
He also refuted claims that Koroma is in self-imposed exile, reiterating that his departure was not voluntary but rather the result of external pressure.
