FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has called for peace, justice and national reconciliation following the discontinuation of criminal proceedings against him, while expressing gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, regional leaders and the Government of Nigeria for their roles during the legal process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday from Abuja, Nigeria, Koroma acknowledged the announcement by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice that the criminal proceedings against him had been discontinued in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.
The former president thanked President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, saying their efforts, guided by the Constitution and the rule of law, had contributed to bringing the matter to a close.
Koroma also expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and several former African leaders for what he described as their commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability.
He paid special tribute to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanking him for his leadership and support throughout the process, while also acknowledging the Government and people of Nigeria and the country’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their hospitality during his stay in Abuja.
Reflecting on the development, Koroma said Sierra Leone has overcome difficult periods in the past by placing national interest above personal differences and called for continued efforts to strengthen unity and democratic governance.
“I remain committed to every sincere effort that advances peace, strengthens our democracy and promotes the welfare of our people,” he said.
The statement comes hours after the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice formally discontinued the criminal proceedings against the former president, bringing an end to the case.
