Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for bestowing posthumous pardon on the Ogoni 9, and the prestigious national honours awards on the Ogoni 4 saying that action would foster peace in the community.
Governor Fubara spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while reacting to the unanimous ratification of Mr President’s decision by the Council of States during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Ogoni 9: Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were granted posthumous pardon for their “exemplary service to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
The Ogoni 4 include Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage were awarded national honours “for their patriotism to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Expressing the state government’s gratitude to President Tinubu, the Council of State and Nigerians for recognising the sacrifices and patriotism of the Ogoni 13, Governor Fubara emphasized that the presidential pardon and national honours awards will promote genuine reconciliation, guarantee enduring peace and unity within the Ogoni communities, and also help accelerate sustainable development in the State.
While reassuring President Tinubu of the unfettered commitment of the Rivers State Government to the total reconciliation of all Ogoni people, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the government’s action will bring renewed hope and restore confidence in the Ogoni communities.
He appealed to the people of the state, particularly the Ogoni people to see the federal government’s decision as a significant step towards addressing age-long demands of the communities, stressing that the government’s investment in the area is a testament to the commitment to the well being of the people and development of Ogoniland.
He further encouraged the people to key into the policies and programmes of government at all levels to achieve the purpose of governance in the state, and Nigeria.