President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Finnish government for its intervention in the case of Simon Ekpa, whose actions, he said, threatened Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, speaking on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Finnish Ambassador, Ms. Sanna Selin, at the State House, the President reiterated that divisive activities will not be tolerated by the Federal Government.
“I thank Finland for safeguarding our national integrity with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible. We’ve experienced turbulent times, and we must not promote terrorism,” President Tinubu said. He added that his administration prioritizes stability and cohesion to foster national development.
President Tinubu also highlighted the critical importance of respecting the rule of law, which he described as the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic values and moral compass. He commended Finland for its ongoing support in areas like ICT, agriculture, and education, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries.
The Finnish Ambassador acknowledged the President’s courage in implementing economic reforms and emphasized the renewed strength of bilateral relations following Finland’s intervention in Simon Ekpa’s case. She noted, “Even though reforms are painful, they are necessary for Nigeria’s progress. Finland remains committed to supporting Nigeria, particularly in peace mediation and energy opportunities.”
President Tinubu also received the Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and Algeria’s Ambassador, Hocine Mezoued.
The President urged the EU to strengthen trade ties and support Nigeria’s efforts to digitalize and automate services, leveraging the country’s youthful and vibrant population. Mignot, in turn, highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential and reiterated the EU’s commitment to development cooperation and technology integration.
During discussions with the Algerian Ambassador, President Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration on the trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project, which he described as critical for regional development and economic empowerment. “Africa must lift itself together to ensure collective progress,” he said.
Ambassador Mezoued reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in advancing regional and multilateral initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the continent.
