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President Bola Tinubu praised the Finnish government's intervention concerning the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa on Friday.
Tinubu made these remarks while receiving the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He emphasized that the government would not accept actions or statements that could foster division among citizens.
He also expressed gratitude to the Finnish authorities for their prompt action, which helped protect the nation's integrity and prevented a situation that could disrupt peaceful coexistence.
“I appreciate your commitment to safeguarding human rights in our country during the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is a united entity. We have faced challenging times, and we do not wish to encourage terrorism,”
Tinubu stated to the Finnish ambassador. “I was raised in activism, but not in divisiveness. We require unity and collaboration to achieve development. Our guiding principle is stability and unity to advance the country.”
“The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has briefed me. I understand the significance of the rule of law. It upholds our democratic values, morals, and principles. We must honor the rule of law,” the president asserted.
Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.
The president acknowledged that the ambassadors' focus areas, such as information and communications technology (ICT), agriculture, and education, would have a direct effect on the nation's development.
“Nigeria is undergoing essential reforms to foster growth and prosperity. I also appreciate the humanitarian assistance in the North East. I believe we can collaborate effectively,” he added.
In response, the Finnish Ambassador praised the president for his bravery in launching reforms that would benefit the economy and ensure future prosperity. “Simon Ekpa has been obstructing bilateral relations. The cooperation between our two nations is currently progressing well. The National Security Adviser has been providing all necessary evidence,” the ambassador remarked.
“I commend you for the ongoing reforms in the country. They are challenging, and while painful, they are crucial for Nigeria's advancement. Finland has also engaged in peace mediation and sees opportunities for Nigeria in the energy sector. We can work together to make this a reality,” she stated.
During a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union, Tinubu highlighted that the EU remains one of Nigeria's largest trading partners. He urged the envoy to enhance transaction volumes and strengthen bilateral ties.
The president noted that Nigeria requires assistance in digitizing and automating its operations and services.
He mentioned that the Nigerian economy is capable of supporting investments due to its dynamic and youthful population.
Tinubu called for collaboration between Nigeria and Algeria to advance the Trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project.
“We need to support one another in Africa, and together we will be stronger. We may face neglect or mistreatment, but we have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We must uplift Africa collectively,” the president stated.
Mignot informed the president that Nigeria possesses “numerous untapped potentials,” adding that more could be achieved through development, cooperation, and leveraging technology.
“We have a robust partnership founded on our shared values,” he remarked. The Algerian Ambassador also noted that the Trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project and other proposed regional development initiatives would greatly benefit the continent.
He assured that Algeria would continue to support Nigeria in advocating for improved living conditions on the continent through multilateral institutions.
