President Bola Tinubu has honoured key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and announced a posthumous state pardon for the Ogoni 9, the environmental activists executed under the military regime of General Sani Abacha in 1995.
Speaking before a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Tinubu commended the sacrifices of individuals and groups that fought for Nigeria’s democratic rebirth, particularly in the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
He said:“June 12 represents the triumph of the Nigerian spirit and the people’s resolve to choose democracy over dictatorship,” Tinubu declared. “Today, I honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola and his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as the duly elected President and Vice President of Nigeria from the 1993 election.”
Among those remembered were democracy icons Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and several other civil society leaders, journalists, and politicians who were jailed, exiled, or killed during military rule.
He also recognized key legislative milestones by previous National Assemblies, including the rejection of a third-term bid in 2006 and the adoption of the Doctrine of Necessity in 2010.
He further announced a posthumous presidential pardon for the Ogoni 9, a group of environmental activists led by Ken Saro-Wiwa, who were executed by the Abacha regime for campaigning against environmental degradation by oil companies in the Niger Delta.
“Today, I extend a posthumous pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight compatriots—the Ogoni 9. It is time to heal the wounds of the past and reaffirm our commitment to justice and reconciliation,” Tinubu said.
He also conferred national honors on dozens of pro-democracy heroes, including Professor Wole Soyinka (GCON), Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Beko Ransome-Kuti, Tony Enahoro, and several journalists and activists who played pivotal roles during Nigeria’s most turbulent democratic struggles.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to multi-party democracy, dismissing rumors of a move toward a one-party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A one-party state is not in the oven, nor shall it ever be. Our democracy thrives on political competition, not domination,” the President stated.
Speaking on governance, the President highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at boosting youth employment, digital infrastructure, education, and economic growth. He pointed to initiatives like the Nigeria Education Front, a national apprenticeship program, and the rollout of nationwide fibre optic infrastructure to bridge the digital divide.
He also announced the establishment of a ₦100 billion National Credit Guarantee Company, aimed at improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
As Nigeria marks 26 years since its return to democratic rule, President Tinubu advocated the need for unity, tolerance, and renewed national commitment.
He added:“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is alive. And that means our dream of a prosperous, peaceful Nigeria is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
