GLITZ TV
In a move that has raised concerns about Nigeria’s economy, former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone has arrived in Nigeria for medical treatment. Koroma is currently facing charges related to his alleged involvement in last year’s coup attempt in Sierra Leone.
The former president landed in Abuja on Friday afternoon, where he was welcomed by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray. The High Court in Sierra Leone had granted Koroma permission to leave the country for a maximum of three months, but many speculate that a deal allowing him to go into exile was reached.
Koroma is expected to face his treason trial at the beginning of March. He had led Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018, when the current President, Julius Maada Bio, won the election.
The sight of a Nigerian presidential jet carrying the former president upon his departure from Freetown International Airport on Friday has sparked further discussions. This event occurs amidst ongoing speculation that ECOWAS brokered a deal with the Sierra Leone government to facilitate the 70-year-old’s relocation in an effort to ease tensions following the attempted coup in November.
In a nationwide address on Thursday night, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized that the matter concerning his predecessor is now in the hands of the court. He stated, “The court has, however, granted the former president permission to leave the country purely for specialized medical reasons, and his court case will be suspended during his absence.” President Bio also emphasized that the travel does not imply a lack of seriousness regarding the ongoing situation, but rather serves as further evidence that this is not a political witch-hunt, but rather a pursuit of the truth behind the events of November 26.
In the November attack, gunmen stormed a military barracks and prisons, freeing approximately 2,000 prisoners. The violence resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people. The government has described it as an attempt to overthrow the administration. Following the incident, over 80 individuals, many of whom were associated with the Sierra Leone military, were arrested as suspects. Notably, Koroma’s daughter, Dankay Koroma, was listed as a suspect but has not commented on the matter.
The attempted coup occurred five months after a contentious election that saw President Bio secure a second term in office. However, Koroma’s All People’s Congress party rejected the election results, and international observers criticized the lack of transparency during the vote counting process. The presence of foreign politicians seeking medical treatment abroad highlights the economic impact of such trips on Nigeria and calls for a strategic approach to addressing healthcare infrastructure and services within the country.
