•Says ‘I’m a child born into activism, not divisiveness’
•Ekpa has been hindering relations -Envoy
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to the Finnish government for its decisive action in the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure linked to separatist violence in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said this while speaking during a ceremony at the State House where he received the Letter of Credence from Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin. Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria will not tolerate divisive actions that threaten its unity. Ekpa, who was arrested on November 21, 2024, faces charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media. The Finnish District Court ruled to detain him based on evidence suggesting his online activities have led to significant unrest in Nigeria.
Tinubu 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,” he said.
Continuing, the President said: “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.
Tinubu 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 North East. I believe that we can work together,” he added.
Selin acknowledged Tinubu’s courage in initiating reforms and emphasized Finland’s commitment to peace mediation and energy cooperation with Nigeria.
The Finnish Ambassador extolled President Tinubu 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 envoy noted.
“I salute you for all the ongoing reforms in the country. They are not easy. Even though it is painful, it is the only way Nigeria can progress. It is essential for the country.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.
In a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union, President Tinubu noted that the EU remains one of the highest trading partners of Nigeria, urging the envoy to work towards elevating the volume of transactions, and strengthening the ties.
He said Nigeria needs support in digitalising and automating operations and processes for rendering services.