Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action to grant posthumous pardon and national honours to the Ogoni 13 describing the development as a monumental stride towards genuine reconciliation and enduring peace in Ogoniland and the wider state.
The governor’s appreciation followed the unanimous ratification of the President’s decision by the Council of State, a move he recognized as a long-awaited and courageous acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by the Ogoni people in their struggle for environmental justice and human rights.
The presidential clemency was divided into two distinct parts: a Posthumous Pardon was extended to the Ogoni 9, including the renowned environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight others who were executed in 1995.
This pardon was granted for their “exemplary service to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Concurrently, the Ogoni 4, Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, were conferred with prestigious National Honours Awards for their “patriotism to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Governor Fubara emphasized that this landmark action by the Federal Government is more than a gesture; it is a critical step in addressing the deep-seated, age-long demands of the Ogoni communities.
He expressed a strong belief that recognizing the patriotism and sacrifices of the entire Ogoni 13 will not only foster reconciliation and unity but also serve as a catalyst for accelerating sustainable development across the state.
The governor reassured President Tinubu of Rivers State Government’s total commitment to working towards the full reconciliation of all Ogoni people, viewing the Federal Government’s decision as a source of renewed hope and confidence within the communities
He passionately appealed to the people of Rivers State, especially the Ogoni communities, to embrace government’s action as a constructive mechanism to close ranks and look toward a future of collective progress.
He underscored that the government’s continued investment in the area is a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people.
