A former president of Sierra Leone Ernest Koroma has thanked President Julius Bio for facilitating his return to the country from Nigeria.

Mr Koroma made the remarks on Tuesday when he visited Mr Bio at State House in Freetown.

The Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh accompanied Mr Koroma who expressed joy at being back in Sierra Leone and thanked Mr Bio for facilitating his homecoming.

“Mr President, it is good to be back here at home. I have to be here to thank you personally for the great decision you took on my return,” he stated.

The former president also assured Mr Bio of his continued commitment to national unity and pledged to support national development efforts.

He expressed willingness to make his experience available to Mr Bio whenever it’s required, emphasising that his commitment to Sierra Leone transcended political differences.

Mr Bio acknowledged the significance of his return and the value of his experience as a former head of state.

“God has put you in this position before, and only a few of us can come here as President. It is good that you are back home,” Mr Bio said.

Mr Bio stressed that the progress and development of the country required the collective contribution of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation or previous position held.

Mr Bio recalled his own participation in the national sensitisation campaign during the Ebola outbreak.

He noted that his involvement in the national response demonstrated the importance of bringing Sierra Leoneans together in the country’s interest.