President Bola Tinubu has posthumously honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists who were executed by the regime of General Sani Abacha in 1995.
This recognition was announced in a statement on Monday night by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer and environmental activist, along with his compatriots, was a vocal advocate for the rights of the Ogoni people in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
Their execution sparked international condemnation and highlighted the struggles of the region’s communities against environmental degradation.
“In a special message commemorating the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and all Ogoni citizens to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the Ogoni nation’s interests,” the statement read in part.
The statement reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and healing among all ethnic nationalities that make up the nation.
According to the President, this year’s theme of the Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day – After Price, Comes Prise, “reflects our collective commitment to acknowledging the pain and the lessons of the past as we aspire for a brighter future.”
“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,” the statement added.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to actively address historical grievances and work towards building a united and prosperous nation for future generations.
“This vision will be realised through constructive engagement and mutual respect,” the President said, recalling that crude oil exploration has been going on in Ogoniland for many years.
He noted that the struggles of Ogoni leaders to protect their environment from harmful oil exploration were met with severe repression, culminating in the tragic execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders in 1995.
“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”, Tinubu said.
Saro-Wiwa, social activist and head of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) was executed on November 10, 1995.
Others executed alongside Saro-Wiwa were Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine.
The men were sentenced to death by a military tribunal set up by General Abacha and were executed by hanging.
