Babatunji Wusu –
- President Tinubu’s vow: President Bola Tinubu has pledged to address the injustices faced by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine activists, who were executed in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
- Activists’ fight: The activists, including Saro-Wiwa, were vocal in their fight against environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in Ogoni land.
- Commitment to justice and reconciliation: Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to justice and reconciliation, particularly for communities suffering from historical injustices.
- Call for exoneration: The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called for the exoneration of the Ogoni Nine, believing it would help heal past wounds.
- Focus on national unity: The President emphasized that healing from past injustices is essential for fostering dialogue and national unity, especially in the Niger Delta.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to address the injustices faced by Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, a group of environmental activists executed in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. The activists, who had been outspoken in their efforts to protect the environment of Ogoni land from the harmful effects of oil exploitation, were sentenced to death in a highly controversial trial.
In a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to justice and reconciliation, particularly for communities that have experienced long-standing historical injustices.
The Ogoni Nine—which includes Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were executed for their activism against the environmental devastation caused by oil drilling in their homeland. Ken Saro-Wiwa, a renowned writer and environmental advocate, led the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which campaigned against the degradation of Ogoni land.
President Tinubu stressed that his administration is focused on fostering dialogue and reconciliation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. He highlighted that addressing past injustices is critical to ensuring national unity and long-term peace.
“We honour their memory by recognising the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterized by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta,” Tinubu stated. “As we remember the Ogoni Martyrs, let us honour their legacy by committing to a future where such injustices are no longer tolerated, and where the voices of all Nigerians are heard and respected.”
In a related development, MOSOP renewed its call for the federal government to exonerate Saro-Wiwa and the other activists. The group believes that such an act of exoneration would go a long way in healing the wounds of those who continue to mourn their loss.