Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan appreciates Sierra Leone and President Koroma

Federal Republic of Nigeria’s President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been very categorical in telling Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma that he appreciates Sierra Leone and his (President Ernest Bai Koroma) and his delegation’s move to leave their busy schedule and come to Nigeria  to sympathize with the People and Government of Nigeria at a time of grief.  (Photo: Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament Hon. Mr. Justice A.N. Stronge flanked on the right by Information Minister IB Kargo &  B A Gilpin)

Speaking during a one day official visit of President Ernest Bai Koroma and a delegation of eight including Speaker of Parliament Hon. Mr. Justice Natherniel Abel stronge,Majority House of Parliament leader Hon. S.B. Dumbuya, Minority leader Hon. Emmanuel Tommy, Minister of Information and Communication Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Defence Minister Paolo Conteh,Deputy Foreign affairs Minister  Vandi Chidi and State Chief of Protocol Alusine Sesay, on Tuesday May 18^th ;  President Goodluck Jonathan said “Such move by President Koroma and his delegation “means a lot to me in particular and the people of the federal republic of Nigeria, because the late President Musa Yar’Adua meant well for Nigeria  and Africa: but unfortunately, he could not fulfil his heart desires”. President Goodluck Jonathan thanked Almighty God for the faithful life the late president lived and promised to work with President Ernest Bai Koroma and other African leaders in unison, for peace, stability and growth.   He assured President Koroma of his country’s continuity in its expected leadership role and hoped for an enduring excellent relationship between the two countries.

Earlier, President Ernest Bai Koroma said he is in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to specifically “sympathise with you, your government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the death of Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.” President Koroma recalled that he heard the news of the death of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, while in China, so, in keeping with the African tradition, Sierra Leone has to come in person to offer its own condolence, because the relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria spans over centuries.

President Ernest Bai Koroma prayed for the soul of the faithful departed to rest in perfect peace.

On behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone, President Ernest Bai Koroma signed the book of condolence at the Nigeria’s Presidential Ville at Aso Rock.

President Ernest Bai Koroma also congratulated President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his new assignment as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Ernest Bai Koroma and members of his delegation were introduced by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister H.E. H Odein Ajumogobia Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Other members of the Federal Government were Nigeria’s Information Minister Professor Dora Akunyili, Chief of State House Staff Chief Mike Ogiahdome, Presidential Special Adviser in Media and Publicity  Amiboro and Chief of Protocol  Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.O Solaja      

Commenting, Sierra Leone’s Information and Communications Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo described the move as very positive on the part of the Sierra Leone Government and said they were well received at the Airport and even at the Presidential Villa.

He thanked the Sierra Leone High Commission for the arrangement and said this move by President Ernest Bai Koroma has further strengthened the ties between the people and the two countries.

The Sierra Leonean delegation returned to Sierra Leone on the same day on Tuesday May 18^th.

Pasco Gerald Temple, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria

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