From mercy Peter
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the District Court of Päijät-Häme in Finland for sentencing Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism offences.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the judgment as a “watershed moment” that not only brings justice to countless Nigerians who suffered from Ekpa’s incitements but also strengthens bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain: families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live under fear,” the statement said.
“Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda that sought to undermine the peace, unity, and sovereignty of our nation.”
The Federal Government maintained that the ruling vindicated Nigeria’s long-standing position on the activities of Ekpa and IPOB, while also sending “a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilize societies through terror.”
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on national security, the statement stressed that the administration remains resolute in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“We will continue to mobilize every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of our country,” Idris declared.
The government also used the opportunity to appeal to those influenced by Ekpa and similar agitators to renounce violence and embrace peace.
“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail,” the statement emphasized.
While expressing gratitude to Finland for upholding the rule of law, the government also commended the efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police. Idris said their sacrifices and commitment remain vital to the country’s stability.
“As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government enjoins all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and security of the country,” the statement concluded.
