As part of activities scheduled to mark the 2025 Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu has granted a full presidential pardon to the late environmentalist, activist and author, Ken Saro-Wiwa. Besides, eight others were given the presidential pardon, and they are known as the “Ogoni Nine.”
Others are: Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine. Tinubu conferred national honours on nine of them. He announced on Thursday in his speech at the National Assembly.
Tinubu also conferred national honours on the Ogoni Nine.
NewsBits reported earlier that 65 Nigerians from different parts of the country were honoured by the President. Among them is late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was in charge of the electoral commission during the June 12, 1993, election.
NewsBits recalls that the military administration of a former Head of State, the late Sani Abacha, executed Saro-Wiwa and other activists in 1995 after they were accused of murder. President Tinubu’s action today is seen as part of his broad plan to give every part of the country a sense of belonging.
In November 2024, President Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga promised to honour the Ogoni Nine.