President Bola Tinubu says his administration will work to address the unfair treatment meted to those who were killed in their struggle to protect the environment of Ogoni land.
The regime of late Sani Abacha, a former head of state, executed Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other activists in 1995 after they were accused of murder.
The other activists were Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine
Saro-Wiwa led the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) which staged protests against the degradation of the environment. Their trial and subsequent execution has been seen as an attempt to silence them.
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In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, quoted Tinubu as saying that his administration is committed to fostering dialogue, and reconciliation, among all ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.
“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 president said while honouring the death of the activists.
“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.”
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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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