Godknows Igali
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed its appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant national honours to Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight Ogoni activists.
On Democracy Day, Tinubu conferred national honours and granted a full state pardon to Saro-Wiwa and the eight other members of the Ogoni Nine, nearly three decades after their execution under the military regime of Sani Abacha.
A statement on Friday by Godknows Igali, its national chairman, PANDEF commended the Tinubu for this significant gesture, which they see as a step towards acknowledging the sacrifices made by these heroes.
“We particularly salute President Bola Tinubu, who now has the privilege of leading the nation in commemorating Democracy Day—a day that honors the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, unjustly annulled by the then-military regime,” the statement reads.
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“Of note, we appreciate the state pardon granted to Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine. The state pardon granted to Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine is a significant step towards honouring the sacrifices of past and surviving heroes.”
Igali highlighted the profound meaning of Democracy Day in Nigeria’s democratic history, serving as a reminder of the nation’s journey and the need for reflection on current realities.
PANDEF noted that while successive administrations have made efforts to deliver the socio-economic dividends of democracy, the journey remains challenging, particularly for ordinary Nigerians facing issues such as access to food, security, healthcare, and education, as well as the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta region.
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The group addressed the situation in Rivers state and called upon Tinubu and the national assembly to act swiftly to restore democratic governance in the state.
“The prolonged political crisis in the state has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” the statement reads.
PANDEF urged all political actors in Rivers state to embrace peace and reconciliation.
“As people of common faith, let us be guided by the injunction in Ecclesiastes 3:8: ‘There is a time to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace.’ The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12,” the statement added.
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PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting collective efforts aimed at realising the foundational ideals of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly in advocating for accountable and people-driven governance in Rivers state.
