Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has condoled with Nigeria on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “towering figure in African leadership.”
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, made the remarks in a statement signed by him and released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He lauded Buhari as a respected head of state and a principled leader whose wisdom and determination helped prevent crises and upheld democratic values across the subregion.
“President Buhari was a towering figure in African leadership.
“His life of service to Nigeria, from his early military career to his stewardship as a democratically elected president, was marked by an unrelenting commitment to national development and regional stability.
“He left behind a legacy of quiet strength, modesty, and devotion to duty,” Koroma said.
He recalled his close work with Buhari on several peace and governance initiatives under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighting their joint mediation to secure a peaceful transition in The Gambia in 2017.
“In those moments, I saw in him not only a respected head of state but a deeply principled leader whose wisdom and resolve helped avert crisis and uphold democratic values across our subregion,” Koroma added.
He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government, and the people of Nigeria.
Koroma noted that Buhari embodied the rare combination of soldier and statesman, transitioning from military rule to democratic governance with humility and grace.
“Buhari’s leadership was never about grandstanding but about duty, to Nigeria, to West Africa, and to the continent.
“His legacy will endure in the institutions he strengthened, the crises he helped avert, and the quiet inspiration he gave to those of us who had the honour of serving beside him.
“As we mourn this monumental loss, I pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants comfort and strength to his beloved family, and to all those across Nigeria and Africa whose lives he touched.
“May the soul of our brother, elder statesman, and faithful servant of the people rest in eternal peace. To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” he said. (NAN)
