President Bola Tinubu has praised the Finnish government for its intervention in the case of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator.
The commendation came during a ceremony at the State House on Friday where the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin, presented her Letters of Credence.
Tinubu acknowledged Finland’s efforts in arresting and prosecuting Ekpa, describing it as a crucial step in maintaining Nigeria’s peace and cohesion.
He reaffirmed that the government would not tolerate actions or statements that could disrupt the nation’s stability.
The President also emphasized the importance of unity in fostering development, noting that his administration is committed to reforms that promote growth and stability.
“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 said.
The Ambassador of Finland praised the President for his courage in initiating reforms that will benefit the economy and ensure prosperity in the future.
“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,” the Ambassador noted.
Ekpa, 39-year-old self-declared prime minister of the Biafra Government In Exile (BRIGE) was arrested alongside four others by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over terrorism related activities.
The Finnish police said they suspect that the separatist leader “has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.”
