President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday expressed gratitude to the Finnish government for its decisive intervention in the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence.
The President made the remarks while receiving Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin, at the State House, Abuja. He praised Finland for acting swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s integrity and mitigating potential threats to national cohesion.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
He highlighted the importance of stability and cooperation in national development, emphasizing that Nigeria’s reforms aim to stimulate growth and prosperity. The President noted that Finland’s focus on ICT, agriculture, and education aligns with Nigeria’s developmental goals.
Ambassador Selin commended President Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, describing them as essential for Nigeria’s progress. She reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy, peace mediation, and humanitarian support in the North East.
Engagement with European Union and Algerian Ambassadors
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of Algeria, Mr. Hocine Mezoued.
In discussions with the EU Ambassador, the President acknowledged the European Union as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. He urged the EU to strengthen ties, increase trade volume, and support the digitalization of Nigeria’s service delivery systems.
Mignot praised Nigeria’s potential for growth, citing its youthful population and vast opportunities in development cooperation and technology. “We have a solid partnership based on our shared values,” the EU Ambassador remarked.
With Algeria’s Ambassador, President Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration on the Trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project, highlighting its potential to transform regional energy access and boost economic growth.
“We need to lift one another in Africa, and we will be stronger together. We must lift Africa together,” the President stated, calling for enhanced continental cooperation.
Ambassador Mezoued reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria on multilateral platforms and advancing shared values in economic, social, and political development.
The meetings underscore President Tinubu’s proactive diplomacy, focusing on fostering partnerships that drive national growth, enhance regional stability, and promote unity.