Ernest Bai Koroma, a former leader of Sierra Leone, has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian military for their assistance during the country's ten-year civil war.
During discussions with the Nigerian military about their involvement in the national elections scheduled for February 25, 2023, he expressed his gratitude.
Yesterday, Koroma and his party paid a visit to General Lucky Irabor, CFR, the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja in his capacity as the ECOWAS Head of Mission.
Let me take this opportunity to honour you and the Nigerian Armed Forces via you for their valiant efforts to save the soul of our country through their sweat and blood, he added. Let me use this opportunity to thank you and the Nigerian Armed Forces through you who, with sweat and blood, battled valiantly to preserve our country's soul," he remarked. Notably, the CDS praised President Koroma for his excellent post-war management of Sierra Leone, adding that it leaves a great legacy for others to follow.
Regarding the army's role, the CDS revealed that it currently consisted mostly of giving "residual" support to the police, as the prior Commander-In-Chief had anticipated. He did, however, add that should the need arise for them to participate, they have established "Rules of Engagement" and a "Code of Conduct" that will govern their participation.
CDS Irabor expressed his gratitude to ECOWAS HoM - Koroma for his support of Nigeria and for serving the continent.
Ernest Bai Koroma, the former President of Sierra Leone, has conveyed his deep appreciation to the Nigerian military for their crucial assistance during Sierra Leone's tumultuous ten-year civil war. In a recent engagement with Nigerian military officials, Koroma expressed his gratitude for their instrumental role in stabilizing the country during its most challenging times.
The context of this expression of gratitude occurred during discussions with the Nigerian military regarding their involvement in Sierra Leone's national elections, which were scheduled for February 25, 2023. The visit took place as part of Koroma's role as the Head of Mission for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During the visit, Koroma, along with his political party, visited General Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja. He used this occasion to pay tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces and expressed his admiration for their unwavering dedication to Sierra Leone's well-being, even at the cost of their own blood and sweat. In his own words, he acknowledged their valiant efforts in preserving the soul of Sierra Leone during its challenging civil war period.
Koroma's gratitude also extended to the Nigerian Armed Forces, whom he credited with valiantly battling to safeguard the country's essence. This acknowledgement holds immense significance given the sacrifices and challenges that both the Nigerian military and Sierra Leoneans endured during the civil war.
General Lucky Irabor reciprocated the sentiments, commending President Koroma for his exceptional post-war leadership in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the positive impact of Koroma's management in the aftermath of the conflict, which has left a lasting legacy for future leaders to learn from and emulate.
Concerning the role of the Nigerian military, General Irabor revealed that their current involvement primarily revolves around providing residual support to the police, in line with the expectations set by the previous Commander-In-Chief. He mentioned that the military had established specific "Rules of Engagement" and a "Code of Conduct" to guide their potential participation in any future endeavours where their involvement might be required.
Furthermore, General Irabor expressed his gratitude to President Koroma in his capacity as the ECOWAS Head of Mission. He recognized Koroma's support for Nigeria and his dedication to serving the greater interests of the African continent. This sentiment reinforces the strong bond between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, as well as the broader collaboration within the ECOWAS community.
In conclusion, Ernest Bai Koroma's expression of gratitude to the Nigerian military signifies the enduring friendship and cooperation between Sierra Leone and Nigeria. It also highlights the pivotal role that neighbouring nations often play in supporting each other during times of crisis and recovery.