Nigeria, U.S congratulate Sierra Leone’s president on re-election

Nigeria and the United States on Saturday congratulated Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election.
President Goodluck Jonathan, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, pledged Nigeria’s continued support for Sierra Leone.

Jonathan said he welcomed Koroma’s victory with close to 60 per cent of the votes cast in the November 17 presidential election which was keenly contested by eight other candidates as an affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Sierra Leone have in his leadership.
“The President urges all Sierra Leoneans to join hands with President Koroma in moving their country forward to an era of democratic consolidation, peace, political stability and rapid socio-economic development.
“President Jonathan assures President Koroma and the brotherly people of Sierra Leone that they can continue to count on the support, assistance and solidarity of Nigeria as they go on with the urgent task of rebuilding their nation after years of avoidable conflict.
“He wishes President Koroma a very successful second term in office and prays that God Almighty will grant him continued good health and divine guidance to lead his nation forward to a brighter future for all of its people,” the statement said.
In a separate message, U.S State Department congratulated Koroma on his re-election, and urged “all parties to accept the results as representing the will of Sierra Leone’s voting public.”
It also lauded the people of Sierra Leone for turning out on November 17 to “in overwhelming numbers to vote in the third successful presidential and parliamentary election since the end of the country’s civil war in 2002.”
It added, “Any grievances related to the election must be resolved through Sierra Leone’s judiciary, in accordance with the rule of law. We urge all party leaders to refrain from actions that incite violence or encourage acts of retribution.
“We call on the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties Registration Commission, and other stakeholders to address any electoral deficiencies and further strengthen Sierra Leonean democracy.