Simon Ekpa hindered bilateral relations with Nigeria – Finland’s envoy

Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Sanna Selin, has stated that Simon Ekpa’s actions have been a hindrance to bilateral relations between the two nations.

She made the remarks on Friday while presenting her Letters of Credence to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The Finnish envoy highlighted her government’s commitment to fostering stronger cooperation with Nigeria and noted that recent developments, including Ekpa’s arrest and detention, have helped rebuild trust.

“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,” she said.

President Tinubu commended Finland for its decisive action in addressing the issue, emphasising that Nigeria will not tolerate actions that undermine its unity.

“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,” the President said.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, on November 21, 2024, announced Ekpa’s arrest, stating that it had requested his remand on suspicion of public exhortation for an offence committed with terrorist intent.

“The police suspect that the man has furthered his efforts from Finland in such a way that has resulted in violence against civilians and public authorities and in other crimes in South-East Nigeria,” the agency said.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining national stability and cohesion, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law.

“The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals, and values. We must respect the rule of law,” he added.

Ms Selin also praised President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, describing them as bold and necessary for Nigeria’s progress despite the challenges involved. She expressed Finland’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in key sectors such as energy, ICT, and education.

READ ALSO:Group decries continued detention of Simon Ekpa, Ambazonia’s Cho

In addition to Ms Selin, President Tinubu received the Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.

He urged the EU to deepen its trade relationship with Nigeria and called for support in digitising and automating the country’s service delivery processes.

The President reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the international community in advancing economic growth, highlighting the country’s youthful population as a key driver for investments.