The leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Sierra Leone has presented the new APC Digital Identification Card and Certification of Registration to the Party’s former National Leader and President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, who is currently in Nigeria for medical treatment.
Current National Chairman, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray presented to former Chairman his digital ID and party registration certificate. The former President, who also served as Chairman and Leader of the APC was pleased to receive the Party’s leadership in Abuja while thanking them for their thougtfulness.
The ID and certificate of registration were presented as a mark of respect to Koroma and in acknowledgement of his remarkable stewardship of the Party and country.
Presenting the ID and certificate of registration, Chairman Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray said: “We also recognise you as someone who has worked for Sierra Leone more than every other President. You also took the APC Party from nowhere to a formidable entity, we will always hold you in high esteem and we will not forget your legacies in a hurry”.
The Team of high-level delegation from the APC Party, comprising of the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary General and National Publicity Secretary are in Abuja, Nigeria to visit former Leader and update him on development within the Party.
Their visit further aims to connect with the former leader and assess his well-being. During their absence, National Organising Secretary Bai Mahmoud Bangura oversees 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.
