By Sheriff Mahmud Ismail, Abuja- February 23, 2023
The ECOWAS Head of Mission (HoM), former President of Sierra Leone, HE Ernest Bai Koroma and delegation, on Thursday visited Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor CFR, along with his military Chiefs at the Defence headquarters in Abuja.
The former President thanked the Nigerian military for their service to Sierra Leone during the country’s 11 year war.
“Let me seize this moment to thank you and through you, the Nigerian Armed Forces who, with sweat and blood, fought hard to save the soul of our nation,” he said. The HoM then explored the role of the military in the elections, in view of reports about security challenges.
General Irabor was particularly pleased with former President Koroma’s thoughtfulness of thanking the Nigerian army for the sacrifice they made in ending the war in Sierra Leone. Coincidentally, the CDS served in that war. He recalled his base in Kenema (district) where he said he served for two years.
The CDS disclosed that he has been taking note of President Koroma’s commitment and hard work in helping to promote and deepen democracy, good governance, peace and security in the region and beyond. Of particular note, the General Irabor spoke of President Koroma’s sterling post – war leadership of Sierra Leone, saying that it stands as a great legacy for others to emulate.
On the army’s role, and as the former Commander -In – Chief expected, the CDS informed that their role at the moment was principally to provide ‘residual’ support to the police. He however stated that should the need arise for them to be involved, they have developed a ‘Code of Conduct’ and “Rules of Engagement’ which shall guide their participation.
CDS Irabor profoundly thanked the ECOWAS HoM for his service to the continent and for standing by Nigeria at this time of their need.
