President Bola Tinubu has expressed appreciation to the Finnish government for arresting Simon Ekpa, whose activities had allegedly posed threats to Nigeria’s unity and strained relations between the two nations.
Tinubu made this known on Friday during a meeting in Abuja where he received the Letters of Credence from Ms. Sanna Selin, Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding national unity and preventing divisive actions. He noted that the government would not condone statements or activities capable of destabilizing the country.
Tinubu thanked Finland for its swift intervention, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in preserving Nigeria’s integrity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He said: “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,” President Tinubu told the Finnish ambassador.
“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.
“The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has informed me. I know what the rule of law means. The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals, and values. We must respect the rule of law.”
The President noted that the Ambassador’s priorities, including ICT, agriculture, and education, will directly impact the country’s development.
“Nigeria is undergoing a series of necessary reforms to stimulate growth and prosperity. Thank you also for the humanitarian support in the Northeast. I believe that we can work together,” he added.
The Finnish Ambassador, Ms. Selin, acknowledged the arrest of Simon Ekpa and described his actions as a hindrance to the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Finland. She commended Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, noting their potential to foster economic growth and prosperity.
According to Ms. Selin, “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.”
