The spirit of late Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight colleagues from Ogoni land in the Niger Delta region who were hanged by the Sani Abacha military regime continues to live on as the issues that led to their controversial hanging remain unsolved many years after their death
Years after the hanging of the Ogoni eight activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa by the Sani Abacha-led military junta, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lent his voice to address the issues that resulted in the killing of the Niger Delta activists. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation and healing among all ethnic nationalities that make up the great nation.
In a special message commemorating the 2024 Ogoni Martyrs Remembrance Day, President Tinubu according to the statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he “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.”
He said this year’s commemoration, themed “After Price, Comes Praise,” reflected “our collective commitment to acknowledging the pain and the lessons of the past as we aspire for a brighter future.”
In the statement, Tinubu was quoted saying, “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 reaffirmed that his administration will actively address historical grievances and work towards building a united and prosperous nation for future generations, adding: “This vision will be realised through constructive engagement and mutual respect.”
Oil was first commercially discovered in Oloibiri, Ogoniland, in 1958. The subsequent 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.
