President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Finnish government for arresting and detaining Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu expressed his appreciation when he received a letter of credence from Sanna Selin, Finnish ambassador to Nigeria, at the State House on Friday.
President Tinubu said his administration would not tolerate actions and statements that could lead to division among citizens.
He told Selin,” 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.”
“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.”
Tinubu said the intervention from the Finnish authorities safeguarded the nation’s integrity and mitigated an action that threatened peaceful coexistence.
He said, “The national security adviser, Mallam 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.”
Selin noted that Simon Ekpa hindered bilateral relations, adding that cooperation between Finland and Nigeria has now improved following Ekpa’s arrest.
The ambassador added, “The national security adviser has been providing all the evidence.”
Selin hailed Tinubu’s economic reforms, touting Finland as a partner in energy security.
Also, Tinubu received letters of credence from Gautier Mignot, ambassador of European Union (EU), and Hocine Mezoued, Algerian ambassador.
The president said EU remained one of Nigeria’s highest trading partners and urged the envoy to elevate the ties.
He called for collaboration between Nigeria and Algeria to implement the trans-Saharan
African Gas pipeline project.
