The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has applauded the decision of President Bola Tinubu, to grant full pardon for the 9 Ogoni rights campaigners executed by the Nigerian Government during the regime of General Sani Abacha.
Those executed included Ken Saro-Wiwa, Dr. Nubari Kiobel, Nordu Eawo, Saturday Doobe, John Kpuinen, Paul Levura, Daniel Gbokoo, Felix Nuate and Baribor Bera.
MOSOP in a statement signed by Fegalo Nsuke, President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) considered the gesture, announced by President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 Democracy Day address, as both historic and a positive step towards healing.
He implored the President to pursue formal exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other activists.
He explained that the development would strengthen stronger moral and legal correction, ensuring that their names are no longer burdened by the stain of injustice.
Text of the statement reads: “His recognition of the injustices endured by Saro-Wiwa and his compatriots, and his words acknowledging the moral wounds of their execution, have been received with gratitude across the country and by many in the international community.
“However, it is appreciably and respectfully submitted that while the presidential pardon is significant and considered a vital milestone that opens the door to deeper restorative measures, a pardon, by its very nature, implies the existence of an offense.
“In the case of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his compatriots, it is clear that no legitimate crime was committed. His Excellency, President Tinubu himself acknowledged that their unjust execution should never have happened,” Tinubu said: “Today, we correct the record and honour their courage in the face of tyranny.” His “conviction” was the result of a deeply flawed and politically motivated process that should never have occurred
“In this light, we humbly appeal that His Excellency goes further, by pursuing a formal exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow activists. Such an exoneration would be a stronger moral and legal correction, ensuring that their names are no longer burdened by the stain of injustice.
“To this end, the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, to investigate and formally repudiate the irregularities of the 1995 tribunal would be a landmark act of complete restorative justice, one that would further cement President Tinubu’s legacy as a leader not only of courage, but of conscience.
“This administration has taken a bold step. History will surely honour it even more for completing the journey toward full justice.”
