President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration is considering a state post-humous pardon for the Ogoni nine, including the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, an author and playwright.
President Buhari disclosed this when he received some Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
The Ogoni Nine were a group of nine activists from the Ogoni region of Rivers State who opposed the operating practices of the Royal Dutch Shell oil corporation. They were executed by hanging in 1995 by the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha.
Other members of the Ogoni nine are Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
According to the president, the consideration of the state pardon for the Ogoni nine is part of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure reconciliation between the ethnic nation and the Federal Government, as well as a bit of closure from the “unfortunate events” 26 years ago.
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.
“Despite the grievous circumstances, the Federal Government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga.”
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