The Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bi-Koromah, who was on a one day visit to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja has called on African leaders to cooperate in the fight against insurgency, adding that the activities of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram in Nigeria could have devastating effect on the whole of the African continent if not properly addressed.
He gave the warning while fielding questions from State House correspondent after meeting behind closed doors with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
Bi-Koromah condemned the activities of the deadly sect and also pledged the support of his country towards crushing Boko Haram and other terrorists groups in the region.
“In moments like this, we believe we should come and express sympathy for the bombings that have been taking place in Nigeria and most recently the abduction of about 200 secondary school girls.
“We believe that this is not an issue for Nigeria alone. We must come in and identify ourselves with the problems that are ongoing here.
“We believe strongly that the position Nigeria is enjoying as the largest economy in Africa, and the fact that one out of every four Africans is a Nigerian, issues like this happening to Nigeria are issues that will affect the whole of Africa”, he said.
The Sierra Leone President insisted that African countries must rally round Nigeria, adding “it is time for us to come together as Africans, it is time for us to come together as West Africans to work with Nigeria to address this menace that is occurring in Nigeria.
“We condemn strongly what is happening and we believe that Boko Haram should not continue with these atrocities.
“And we welcome the support that is now coming on, now ECOWAS has just had a meeting and in that meeting a lo of collaborative efforts have been suggested.
“We look forward to the implementations of what has been suggested. But for now, we believe Nigeria deserves the supports.
“For Sierra Leone, Nigeria was there yesterday when we had our difficulties. I believe whatever little we can do to identify ourselves, whatever efforts we can put in solving this problem, we are prepared, we are here to demonstrate the determination to work with Nigeria”, he stated.
