Fubara Lauds Tinubu for Posthumous Pardon, National Honors for Ogoni 13
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has commended President Bola Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni 9 and conferring national honors on the Ogoni 4.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara expressed appreciation following the Council of State’s ratification of the president’s decision during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Ogoni 9 — Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine — were posthumously pardoned for their “exemplary service to Nigeria and promotion of reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Similarly, the Ogoni 4 — Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage and Theophilus Orage — received national honors “for their patriotism to Nigeria and efforts to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Reiterating the state government’s gratitude to the president, the Council of State and Nigerians, Fubara said the gestures would foster genuine reconciliation, lasting peace and unity among the Ogoni people, and drive sustainable development in Rivers State.
He assured Tinubu of his administration’s commitment to full reconciliation among Ogoni communities and urged residents, especially the Ogoni people, to view the federal government’s actions as a significant step toward addressing longstanding concerns.
Fubara added that the government’s continued investment in Ogoniland underscores its dedication to the welfare and development of the region.