President Bola Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to the Finnish government for the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, a separatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile.
The President of Nigeria, in a meeting with Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin, emphasized his administration’s stance against actions or statements that could cause division among Nigerian citizens.
The arrest of Simon Ekpa, who is facing charges related to terrorism and incitement to violence, has been a significant point of diplomatic concern between Nigeria and Finland.
Ekpa’s alleged activities had been seen as a threat to the unity of Nigeria, a country that has long fought to preserve its territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, President Tinubu praised the Finnish authorities for their swift and effective intervention, which he believes helped to safeguard Nigeria’s national integrity.
He reiterated that Nigeria remains an indivisible nation, despite the challenges it has faced in the past. “We do not want to promote terrorism. Our watchword is stability and cohesion, which are vital for moving the country forward,” he stated.
Tinubu also emphasized the importance of the rule of law in maintaining Nigeria’s democratic credentials. “I know what the rule of law means,” he said. “It safeguards our values, morals, and democracy. We must respect it.”
The President acknowledged Finland’s support for Nigeria’s development, highlighting the Finnish government’s involvement in various sectors such as ICT, agriculture, and education.
He further praised Finland for its humanitarian assistance to Nigeria’s northeast, an area affected by insurgency and conflict.
Ambassador Selin, in her response, commended President Tinubu for his courage in initiating reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and fostering long-term prosperity.
She noted that the cooperation between Nigeria and Finland was growing steadily, particularly after the arrest of Ekpa, which had previously hindered bilateral relations.
“Simon Ekpa’s actions had been a challenge to our bilateral ties. However, with the evidence provided by the National Security Adviser, we are confident that our cooperation will continue to flourish,” Ambassador Selin said.
The Finnish government’s decision to arrest Ekpa in November 2024 was praised by Nigerian authorities, as it came at a time when his activities were seen as exacerbating the political tensions in the country.