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The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, has accused Simon Ekpa, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of obstructing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
Ms Selin made this assertion during a meeting at the State House on Friday, where she presented her Letter of Credence to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
“Simon Ekpa has been a stumbling block to bilateral relations.
“However, the cooperation between our countries is progressing well, and the National Security Adviser has provided all the necessary evidence,” Ms Selin stated.
She also commended President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, acknowledging their difficulty but emphasizing their importance for Nigeria’s progress.
Additionally, she highlighted Finland’s involvement in peace mediation and expressed optimism about energy sector collaborations with Nigeria.
President Tinubu praised the Finnish government for prosecuting Ekpa and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity and stability.
“We appreciate Finland’s stance on protecting human rights, including the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible.
We have faced challenges in the past and will not support terrorism or divisive rhetoric,” Tinubu said.
The president emphasized the importance of national unity and collaboration for development, noting, “Stability and cohesion remain our guiding principles to move the country forward.”