Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin, has disclosed that Simon Ekpa’s activities were obstructing the smooth bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
Speaking on Friday at the State House in Abuja, while presenting her Letter of Credence to President Bola Tinubu, Selin praised the Nigerian government for its cooperation in addressing the matter.
“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,” the Ambassador said.
President Tinubu, in turn, commended Finland for its swift action in arresting and detaining Ekpa, describing it as a step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and fostering peaceful coexistence.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The Finnish Ambassador also expressed admiration for Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold but essential steps toward Nigeria’s progress. She highlighted opportunities for collaboration, particularly in energy, peace mediation, and digital transformation.
Tinubu used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to unity, stability, and economic growth while expressing optimism about strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral ties with Finland.
The President also engaged with other diplomats, including the EU and Algerian ambassadors, emphasizing trade, digitalization, and regional development initiatives like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.