President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed gratitude to the Finnish government for arresting Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a meeting with Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa on Friday, January 24.
Tinubu praised Finland’s swift intervention in addressing actions deemed divisive and threatening to Nigeria’s unity. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to national cohesion and zero tolerance for treasonable activities.
Presidential Remarks
“I must thank you for your stance on safeguarding human rights and supporting the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible. We have faced turbulent times and cannot afford to promote terrorism or divisiveness,” Tinubu stated.
The president reaffirmed his belief in the rule of law and democratic values, underscoring that stability and unity are vital for the country’s progress.
Finnish Ambassador’s Response
Ambassador Selin lauded Tinubu for initiating economic reforms aimed at fostering prosperity and highlighted the improvement in Nigeria-Finland relations following Ekpa’s arrest.
“Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations. With the cooperation of the National Security Adviser, we now have all the evidence to address this matter effectively,” Selin said.
Background
Simon Ekpa, known for his controversial leadership of a faction of IPOB, has been linked to actions perceived as undermining Nigeria’s unity and stability. The Finnish government’s involvement marks a significant step in addressing such activities, bolstering diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Tinubu’s administration remains focused on fostering unity and ensuring that acts threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty are decisively addressed.