Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has reacted to the conviction of self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was tried and jailed for terrorism in Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
Recall that the court, on Monday, sentenced Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment.
Reacting, the FG, through a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the judgment, saying the Finnish government has disrupted the havoc that Ekpa and his collaborators caused the country.
He added that Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain on Nigeria.
”Families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live under fear. 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.
“By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has not only vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter but also sent 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,” the statement read.
Idris continued, “We will continue to mobilize every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of our country.
“We urge all those who, under the misguidance of Simon Ekpa and others, have taken up arms against their fatherland to immediately lay them down and embrace the path of peace.
“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.
“The Federal Government also extends its profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the security and intelligence agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police, whose sacrifices, courage, and commitment continue to secure our homeland in the face of daunting challenges.
“Their service and the resilience of the Nigerian people remain the backbone of our enduring unity.
“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.”
