Fubara praises Tinubu for granting posthumous pardon to Ogoni 9 and national honours to Ogoni 4, describing the gesture as vital for unity and reconciliation.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed heartfelt gratitude and admiration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and compassionate decision to grant a posthumous presidential pardon to the Ogoni 9 and to confer National Honours on the Ogoni 4.
The governor’s statement, titled “Fubara praises Tinubu for honouring Ogoni heroes”, highlights the importance of forgiveness, national healing, and respect for the sacrifices of those who fought for environmental and social justice in Nigeria.
Governor Fubara praised President Tinubu for demonstrating statesmanship and empathy through the historic recognition of the Ogoni martyrs, describing it as a “profound step toward national reconciliation.”
The governor noted that Fubara praises Tinubu not only for the symbolic gesture but also for reaffirming the nation’s commitment to justice, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
He recalled that the Ogoni 9—Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were unjustly executed in 1995 under the military regime for championing the rights of their people and protecting the environment.
Fubara said their struggle remains a reference point for courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the fight against oppression.
According to him, President Tinubu’s decision to pardon these men restores dignity to their legacy and brings closure to decades of grief endured by their families and the Ogoni community.
“By granting this presidential pardon,” Fubara stated, “the President has proven that Nigeria can heal its wounds and unite its people through justice and compassion.”
In addition to the pardon for the Ogoni 9, Fubara praises Tinubu for bestowing National Honours on Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, describing them as pillars of leadership and agents of peace in Ogoniland.
These recognitions, the governor said, stand as a powerful message that patriotism and loyalty to national ideals are never forgotten.
He added that the National Honours conferred on the Ogoni 4 represent an acknowledgment of their courage and unwavering belief in dialogue as a tool for progress.
Fubara observed that these gestures would inspire future generations to embrace peace and mutual respect as the foundation for development in the Niger Delta and the entire country.
Through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor stated that the Rivers State Government deeply appreciates the thoughtful decision of President Tinubu, the Council of State, and all Nigerians who supported the recognition of the Ogoni 13.
Fubara expressed confidence that these acts would promote true reconciliation, strengthen peace among the Ogoni people, and pave the way for accelerated development.
He noted that the Presidential Pardon and National Honours mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s history—one where forgiveness and inclusion replace bitterness and division.
“The action by Mr. President has rekindled the hope of our people,” Fubara remarked, emphasizing that unity can only thrive when justice is served.
Fubara further explained that his administration would remain fully committed to the total reconciliation and progress of Ogoniland, assuring that every decision of his government would reflect fairness and inclusiveness.
He pledged to work with community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth organisations to ensure that peace becomes permanent in the region.
Governor Fubara used the occasion to appeal to all Ogoni residents to support the Federal Government’s reconciliation efforts.
He urged the people to see the pardon and honours as opportunities to rebuild trust and renew faith in governance.
“Let us come together as one people,” the governor said, “to transform our pain into progress, and our differences into collective strength.”
He encouraged community leaders to align with government programmes designed to bring infrastructure, education, and job creation to the region.
The governor also reminded the Ogoni people that sustainable peace and development require shared responsibility.
“When the Federal and State Governments extend a hand of reconciliation, our people must embrace it,” he said.
“That is how we will turn the dreams of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni heroes into reality.”
In reflecting on the broader significance of the occasion, Fubara praises Tinubu for ensuring that history acknowledges the contributions of all who fought for the Ogoni cause. He said the decision not only restores national pride but also strengthens Nigeria’s democracy by confronting past injustices with honesty and courage.
The governor further commended President Tinubu’s vision of a united Nigeria, where ethnic and regional differences no longer determine opportunities or justice.
He asserted that with this step, the administration has deepened national unity and positioned Nigeria as a country that values truth and reconciliation.
Fubara pledged that the Rivers State Government would continue to preserve the memory of the Ogoni heroes through educational initiatives, memorial projects, and environmental restoration efforts.
He emphasised that honouring the past must translate into improving the lives of those who still bear the impact of years of neglect and conflict.
As the ceremony drew national attention, the governor concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to work with President Tinubu in promoting peace, stability, and inclusive growth.
He assured the people of Rivers State that his administration would remain focused on projects that enhance social welfare, environmental safety, and economic empowerment.
In his closing statement, Fubara praises Tinubu once again, describing the President’s action as “a beacon of hope, a call for unity, and a symbol of leadership rooted in compassion.”
“This gesture,” he said, “is not just about the past; it is about the future we can build together—a future of reconciliation, justice, and shared prosperity.”
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