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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to address the injustices faced by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, who were executed in 1995 by the military regime of late General Sani Abacha.
The activists, who were accused of murder and sentenced in a controversial trial, had been outspoken in their fight to protect the environment of Ogoni land from degradation.
In a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to justice and reconciliation, particularly for communities that have faced historical injustices.
The list of executed activists, remembered as the “Ogoni Nine,” includes Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer and environmental activist, led the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which protested the environmental degradation caused by oil exploitation in Ogoni land.
Tinubu emphasized that his administration is focused on fostering dialogue and reconciliation among all ethnic groups in Nigeria, noting that healing from past injustices is crucial to national unity.
The President said, “We honour their memory by recognising the sacrifices made and pledging to strive for a future characterised by peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta.
“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.”
On Sunday, MOSOP asked the federal government to exonerate Saro-Wiwa and the activists.
The group said their exoneration “will heal the wounds in the hearts of all of us”.
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