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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has suggested that author and playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa and the rest of the Ogoni 9 could receive a post-humous state pardon.
Buhari said this at an audience with some Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja on Friday, describing the events that led to the execution of the “Ogoni sons” as unfortunate.
The rest of the Ogoni nine included Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
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.
Saro-Wiwa with eight others from Ogoni land protested against the operating practices of the Royal Dutch Shell oil company. However, they were executed by General Sani Abacha’s regime on trumped-up charges in 1995.
