Tinubu grants presidential pardon, national honours to Ken Saro-Wiwa, Ogoni Nine

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a full presidential pardon to late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others.

The group, widely known as the Ogoni Nine, were executed in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Tinubu made the announcement on Thursday during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

This move is seen as part of the president’s effort to heal historical wounds and promote national reconciliation.

The Ogoni Nine were accused of involvement in the murder of four Ogoni chiefs during a community crisis in 1995.

Despite global protests and insufficient evidence, they were convicted and executed, drawing international condemnation and suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth.

The other eight activists were Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.

They were members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which campaigned against oil pollution in Ogoniland.

The group fought non-violently against environmental degradation caused by multinational oil companies, especially Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Their execution was seen as a silencing of voices advocating for environmental justice and the rights of the Ogoni people.

President Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours on all nine activists during the Democracy Day ceremony.

This gesture, according to the president, is to acknowledge their sacrifice and restore their dignity and national identity.

“This is not just about honouring the dead but healing the nation,” President Tinubu said during his address.

He emphasized his administration’s commitment to justice, unity, and the correction of past wrongs.

The president also honoured other democratic icons, including the late Kudirat Abiola, Chief Bola Ige, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

These individuals played significant roles in Nigeria’s return to democracy and suffered persecution during military regimes.

Tinubu had in November 2024 pledged to address historical grievances and foster a more inclusive national identity.

The presidential pardon is widely viewed as a fulfillment of that promise and a step toward national healing.

Environmental and human rights groups have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-awaited act of justice.

Ken Saro-Wiwa, a writer and environmentalist, had become a global symbol of resistance against environmental exploitation.

His activism brought international attention to the plight of the Ogoni people and the damage to their environment.

His execution sparked outrage worldwide, with many questioning the fairness of the trial and the government’s actions.

The honour and pardon now granted restore a measure of justice and national recognition to the Ogoni Nine.

Tinubu’s decision has been described as both symbolic and meaningful for the ongoing struggle for environmental justice.

June 12 was declared Democracy Day in 2023 to honour Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the 1993 election struggles.

The day is now used to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic progress and honour those who paid the price for freedom.

Tinubu’s actions send a message that past injustices will not be forgotten and that efforts at healing must continue.

The recognition of the Ogoni Nine reinforces the government’s dedication to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

This gesture also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure Nigeria’s democratic future.

It marks a turning point in acknowledging historical wrongs and embracing the values of freedom, justice, and reconciliation.

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