Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has praised the Finnish government for the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s unity and rejecting actions or rhetoric that threaten national cohesion.
The President expressed his gratitude while receiving the Letters of Credence from Ms. Sanna Selin, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja on Friday, January 24.
He commended Finland’s swift action, which he said upheld Nigeria’s integrity and curbed an act that could have jeopardized the country’s peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the situation directly, Tinubu stated:
“I must thank you for your record on safeguarding human rights in our country with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible. We have been through turbulent times, and we don’t want to promote terrorism. I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness. We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development. Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward.”
Tinubu further underscored his administration’s dedication to the rule of law, calling it the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic values.
The Finnish Ambassador applauded President Tinubu for his bold reforms aimed at economic growth and prosperity. She also highlighted the improved cooperation between the two nations following Ekpa’s arrest.
“Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations. The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now, and the National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence,” Ambassador Selin remarked.
Ekpa, a separatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, was arrested in November 2024 on charges related to terrorism.
President Tinubu also discussed areas of collaboration with Finland, including ICT, agriculture, education, and humanitarian aid, particularly in Nigeria’s North East.
“Nigeria is undergoing a series of necessary reforms to stimulate growth and prosperity. Thank you also for the humanitarian support in the North East. I believe that we can work together,” Tinubu said.
This marks a pivotal step in addressing separatist activities and strengthening Nigeria’s international alliances.