Management of New Vision newspaper Thursday tendered an apology to President Ernest Koroma for publishing libelous stories about his African travel details.

In a letter signed by the newspaper's managing editor, A.B.S. Massaquoi, to the President, it was stated that they apologized according to IMC directives.

"In keeping in line with the directives of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), I wish to apologize on behalf of the New Vision management and staff to you and your office for the story we carried on the front page of our newspaper on Friday May 2. I deeply apologize for any embarrassment it may have caused you or your government." Massaquoi blamed such development on "journalistic over-exuberance." In a swift response, press secretary to the President, Sheka Tarawalie acknowledged the President's receipt of the letter.

"The editor asked the President for forgiveness. I would like to state that the President has unreservedly forgiven the newspaper and it is hoped that its staff would from now on find it necessary to cross-check with the press secretariat at State House any time they have a story on the presidency," Tarawalie said.

He lauded IMC for handling the matter in a professional manner and signaled the closure of the matter.