A support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Grassroots Governance Group APC G3 on Sunday described the Presidential pardon for the Ogoni 9 as a healing balm, needed urgently in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2025 Democracy Day address to the National Assembly conferred posthumous national honours on Mr Saro-Wiwa (CON) and the others – Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON) and announce plans to grant them pardon.
Along with the eight other campaigners, Mr Saro-Wiwa was convicted of murder, then hanged in 1995 by the then-military regime of General Sani Abacha.
APC G3 in press release signed by the National Coordinator, Amechi Chuks. Oyema said President Tinubu is quietly bringing comfort, succour and healing to communities and families that suffered oppression and humiliation in the past.
The Group said the people of Ogoni land have received the news with enthusiasm and see it as healing balm to especially loved ones of the executed persons.
According to the Group “APC G3 is glad that President Bola Tinubu who himself suffered during the dark days of anti-democratic forces has initiated efforts to heal wounds of the past.
“President Tinubu knows where the shoe pinches. He was a strong force in bringing an end to military rule. He was running and hiding from forces that were against the wishes of the people.
“President Tinubu today is bringing healing and putting into action what it takes to wipe out dark memories.
“Presidential pardon and posthumous national honours on the Ogoni 9 is a big relief to affected families and the Ogoni people.
“We also recall how in 2 years President Tinubu has put smiles on the face of the people of Southern Kaduna who faced dark days in the immediate past administration.
“The message in all this, is that our people, Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion should continue to support our President. Very soon, the healing process will reach everyone and every sector,” APC G3 added.
