President Bola Tinubu has praised the Finnish government for its decisive intervention in the case of Simon Ekpa, whose actions, according to the President, threatened Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the State House, President Tinubu affirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold stability and cohesion in the country.
“We will not tolerate actions or statements that foster divisiveness among our citizens. Nigeria is indivisible,” President Tinubu declared, commending the Finnish authorities for taking action against Simon Ekpa.
The President described the intervention as timely, noting it safeguarded Nigeria’s integrity and upheld peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging Finland’s contributions to Nigeria, particularly in ICT, agriculture, and education, President Tinubu emphasised that his administration’s ongoing reforms aim to stimulate growth and prosperity.
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He expressed appreciation for Finland’s humanitarian support in Nigeria’s North East and looked forward to greater cooperation between the two nations.
In her remarks, Ambassador Selin lauded President Tinubu for initiating critical reforms to reposition Nigeria’s economy, describing the measures as necessary for the country’s long-term progress.
She also reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in energy and peace mediation, while addressing challenges like those posed by Simon Ekpa.
President Tinubu also met with Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the European Union, urging the EU to expand its economic partnership with Nigeria.
He highlighted the need for digital transformation and automation of services in Nigeria, which would complement the country’s vibrant, youthful population.
“The EU remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, and I encourage you to elevate the volume of transactions and strengthen our ties,” President Tinubu said.
Ambassador Mignot praised Nigeria’s vast potential, noting that leveraging development cooperation and technology could unlock even greater economic opportunities.
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“We share solid partnerships built on shared values,” the EU envoy remarked.
In his meeting with Algerian Ambassador Hocine Mezoued, President Tinubu reiterated the importance of Africa’s unity and cooperation to foster sustainable development.
He emphasised the strategic significance of the Trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project, urging both nations to expedite its implementation to benefit the continent.
“We must lift one another in Africa. Together, we will be stronger and more impactful. We don’t have to prove anything to anyone but ourselves,” the President stated.
Ambassador Mezoued conveyed greetings from Algeria’s President and reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria on regional development initiatives and multilateral platforms.
He stressed the transformative impact of the pipeline project and other proposed collaborative efforts across the continent.
