President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to the Finnish government for arresting Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The president made this known on Friday, January 24, during a meeting with Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu commended Finland’s intervention, describing it as timely and essential for maintaining Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
A Stand Against Divisiveness
Tinubu’s message was clear: Nigeria will not tolerate acts of treason or divisiveness that threaten the nation’s stability. The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s unity.
“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 said.
The president also emphasised his personal history of activism, which he noted had always been focused on cohesion rather than division. “I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness. We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development. Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward,” he added.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, echoed the president’s sentiments in a statement, praising Finland’s proactive approach in addressing the situation.
The Simon Ekpa Controversy
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been a controversial figure due to his vocal support for the secessionist agenda of IPOB. IPOB, which seeks independence for the southeastern region of Nigeria, has been at the centre of tensions in recent years.
Ekpa, through social media and other platforms, has allegedly incited violence and disruptions in the southeast, including the enforcement of sit-at-home orders that have paralysed economic activities and caused fear among residents. These actions have drawn widespread criticism and accusations of promoting terrorism.
The Finnish government’s decision to arrest Ekpa came after sustained pressure from the Nigerian government and evidence provided by its National Security Adviser.
Finland’s Response
During the meeting, Ambassador Selin acknowledged the importance of the collaboration between Nigeria and Finland in handling the situation. She highlighted how Ekpa’s activities had strained bilateral relations but expressed optimism about moving forward.
“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,” Selin stated.
She also commended Tinubu for his leadership and reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy. “Your courage in initiating reforms will undoubtedly ensure prosperity for Nigeria in the future,” she said.
A History of Turbulence
Nigeria has faced several challenges to its unity, with IPOB being one of the most prominent in recent years. Founded in 2012, IPOB has been at the forefront of agitating for the independence of the southeast, a region with historical ties to the 1967–1970 Biafran War.
While the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has been detained by the Nigerian government, his arrest has done little to quell the agitation. Figures like Simon Ekpa have emerged as influential voices in the movement, using digital platforms to reach a global audience.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned IPOB’s activities, labelling the group a terrorist organisation. Efforts to address the situation have included both military interventions in the southeast and diplomatic engagements, such as the recent collaboration with Finland.
Unity as a Priority
President Tinubu’s remarks underline the administration’s stance on unity as a non-negotiable priority. He noted that Nigeria’s adherence to the rule of law is vital in preserving the country’s democratic values and maintaining stability.
“The National Security Adviser has informed me of all the details of the case. We understand the rule of law, which safeguards the democratic credentials, morals, and values of our people,” Tinubu said.
His statement reflects a broader goal of ensuring that legal measures and international cooperation are used to address challenges to the nation’s integrity.
Looking Ahead
The arrest of Simon Ekpa marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat secessionist threats and maintain national unity. It also underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing complex issues that transcend borders.
As Nigeria continues to navigate challenges to its unity, Tinubu’s administration has signalled its readiness to adopt a multi-faceted approach, combining diplomacy, security measures, and legal frameworks to address threats.
For many Nigerians, the arrest of Ekpa is seen as a positive development, but it also raises questions about the long-term strategy for addressing the root causes of agitations in the southeast.
In the words of Ambassador Selin, the strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Finland offers hope for resolving such challenges and fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.
“Our cooperation is going very well, and we are committed to supporting efforts that promote peace and stability in Nigeria,” she concluded.
