By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE MEMORY of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders who fought for the rights of Ogoni people to a safe environment free from harmful oil exploration has been honoured by President Bola Tinubu.
The president, acknowledging the sacrifices of these martyrs, expressed his solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and the people of Ogoni.
He also said that he recognized their struggle to protect their land from environmental degradation, a fight that led to the tragic execution of the Ogoni 9 in 1995.
Saro-Wiwa, alongside other activists including Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, stood up against the destruction caused by oil exploration in Ogoniland.
These men led protests under the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP).
Sadly, their efforts were met with brutal repression under the regime of former Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, culminating in their execution.
This act was widely perceived as an effort to silence their opposition.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and peace across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
The President additionally emphasized that his government would continue to focus on addressing historical grievances through dialogue and reconciliation.
“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,” said Tinubu.
The President also notes that this year’s commemoration, themed “After Price, Comes Prise,” reflects the nation’s collective commitment to acknowledging the painful past while striving for a brighter future.
Tinubu further stressed that his administration is dedicated to sustainable development for communities in the Niger Delta, as they work toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Ogoni Martyrs’ legacy, according to Tinubu, should inspire all Nigerians to commit to justice and environmental protection.
MOSOP has also called on the federal government to exonerate Saro-Wiwa and his fellow activists, believing that this is what would actually bring healing to the wounds left by their unjust deaths.
Their exoneration, MOSOP insists, would be an important step toward national healing and reconciliation.
