Alpha Kanu Dismisses Claims Koroma Snubbed Him at ECOWAS Summit

Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu has dismissed claims circulating on social media that former President Ernest Bai Koroma snubbed him during the recent ECOWAS Summit, insisting that the two exchanged greetings, shook hands and had a brief conversation.

Speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, Kanu responded to online speculation suggesting that the former President ignored him when he approached him during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi.

Rejecting the claims, Kanu said the encounter was cordial and reflected the long-standing relationship between him and the former President.

“Ein say, ‘Hi Mr. Khan,’ ar reply, ‘Hello Nesto.’ Ein kin call me Mr. Khan, ar call am Nesto,” Kanu recalled, describing his interaction with Koroma.

Kanu explained that “Mr. Khan” was a familiar name Koroma used to call him, highlighting the personal relationship they developed over the years.

He added that during Koroma’s presidency, the former Head of State usually addressed him as “Alpha” or “Mr. Minister” rather than “Mr. Khan.”

“When he was President, he didn’t call me Mr. Khan; rather Alpha or Mr. Minister,” Kanu said, explaining that their exchange at the summit demonstrated that their relationship remained cordial despite political differences.

Kanu further expressed happiness over Koroma’s return to Sierra Leone, describing the former President’s presence in the country as a positive development that could contribute to stability and national cohesion.

“I am happy he has returned home,” he said, describing Koroma as “my friend and brother.”

According to Kanu, Koroma’s return means he can now visit him in Makeni instead of travelling to Nigeria to meet him.

The Presidential Spokesman also addressed discussions surrounding his decision to leave the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), saying the move did not come as a surprise to Koroma.

Kanu explained that the former President was aware of his decision before he officially left the party in 2023.

His comments followed widespread social media discussions about the interaction between the two political figures during the ECOWAS Summit, with some users alleging that Koroma had ignored him during the event.

However, Kanu rejected that narrative, maintaining that the two men shared a respectful and friendly encounter.