President Muhammadu Buhari says he is considering granting a posthumous state pardon to author and playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa as well as eight other Ogoni activists brutally executed 26 years ago.
Saro-Wiwa and eight of his kinsmen, who became popularly known as the Ogoni Nine, were sentenced to death on November 10, 1995 by a special military tribunal set up then Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha, inside the presidential villa under mysterious circumstances.
The other Ogoni Nine included Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Speaking in an audience with some Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja, today, Buhari described the events that led to the execution of the “Ogoni sons” as unfortunate.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring clemency and national integration as part of this Administration’s bid to lay the foundation for genuine reconciliation and bring closure to the issues of Ogoni land.
“The unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories”.
Buhari also promised that his regime would help the Ogoni bring closure to past grievances, which will bring the indigenes closer to the federation.
“Despite the grievous circumstances, the Federal Government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga,’’ Buhari added.
