Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni 9 and conferring national honours on the Ogoni 4.
The governor’s reaction came through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, on Friday, October 10.
He said the appreciation followed the Council of State’s ratification of the President’s decision during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Ogoni 9, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, were posthumously pardoned “for their exemplary service to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Similarly, the Ogoni 4, Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, were honoured “for their patriotism to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
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Reaffirming the state government’s gratitude to the President, the Council of State, and Nigerians for recognising the sacrifices of the Ogoni 13, Fubara said the decision would “promote genuine reconciliation, guarantee enduring peace and unity within the Ogoni communities, and also help accelerate sustainable development in the state.”
The governor also assured President Tinubu of his administration’s commitment to the total reconciliation of all Ogoni people, expressing optimism that the move would “bring renewed hope and restore confidence in the Ogoni communities.”
Fubara appealed to residents, especially the Ogoni people, to view the Federal Government’s decision as “a significant step towards addressing age-long demands of the communities.”
He added that ongoing government investments in the area reflect a sincere commitment to the people’s welfare and the development of Ogoniland.
He further urged citizens to “key into the policies and programmes of government at all levels to achieve the purpose of governance in the State and Nigeria.”