Tinubu pays tribute to Ogoni martyrs, pledges justice for Niger Delta

Stakeholders seeks pardon for Saro-Wiwa, others
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and healing among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities. In a message commemorating the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day, he expressed solidarity with the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and all Ogoni citizens, honouring those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the Ogoni nation’s rights.

This year’s remembrance, themed “After Price, Comes Prise,” reflects a shared commitment to acknowledge past pain while aspiring toward a brighter future. “We honour their memory by recognising their sacrifices and pledging to build a future of peace, justice, and sustainable development for all communities, especially in the Niger Delta,” Tinubu stated.

He assured that his administration will address historical grievances and fostering unity and prosperity for future generations, promising this vision would be pursued through constructive engagement.

Oil was first commercially discovered in Ogoniland’s Oloibiri in 1958. Since then, Ogoni leaders’ struggles to protect their environment from harmful oil exploration faced severe repression, culminating in the 1995 execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine other leaders.

However, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has renewed its call on the Federal Government to exonerate slain environmental rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his Ogoni kinsmen of any wrongdoing.

Saro-Wiwa and his compatriots were killed by the late Sani Abacha military junta on November 10, 1995. Their killing through the hangman’s noose attracted international condemnation which also earned Nigeria suspension from the Commonwealth.

The President of MOSOP, Prof Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, speaking at a memorial martyrs lecture to commemorate the 19th anniversary of November 10, otherwise known as Martyrs’ Day in Ogoniland, said the exoneration would help to heal the wounds in the hearts of all Ogoni people.