PANDEF Applauds Tinubu For Honouring Ken Saro-Wiwa, Urges Restoration Of Democratic Order In Rivers.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his decision to grant national honours and a full state pardon to the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, collectively known as the Ogoni Nine. The announcement, made on Democracy Day, marks a significant step towards acknowledging the sacrifices of these figures, who were executed nearly three decades ago under the military regime of Sani Abacha.
In a statement issued on Friday by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the group expressed profound gratitude for Tinubu’s gesture, describing it as a meaningful recognition of the Ogoni Nine’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and environmental struggles. “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 said, emphasising the importance of the move in addressing historical injustices in the Niger Delta region.
Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer and activist, became a global symbol of resistance in the 1990s for his campaign against environmental degradation caused by the oil industry in the Niger Delta. His execution in 1995, following a trial widely regarded as flawed, sparked international outrage and highlighted the plight of the Ogoni people. Tinubu’s decision to confer posthumous honours and a pardon has been welcomed by many as a long-overdue acknowledgement of Saro-Wiwa’s legacy, though some activists, including Amnesty International, argue it falls short of delivering full justice.
However, PANDEF’s statement also addressed pressing concerns about the current political situation in Rivers State, calling on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to act swiftly to restore democratic governance in the region. The group highlighted the prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state, which has created an environment of instability and uncertainty, adversely affecting the well-being of its citizens. “The prolonged political crisis in Rivers State has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” the statement read. PANDEF urged all political actors in the state to embrace peace and reconciliation to resolve the ongoing turmoil.
The call for action follows President Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers for six months. PANDEF previously condemned this move, accusing the president of using pipeline attacks as a pretext to impose federal control over the state. The group argued that such measures undermine democratic principles and called for a more inclusive approach to resolving the crisis.
Igali also reflected on the broader significance of Democracy Day, noting its role as a reminder of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the challenges that persist, particularly in the Niger Delta. Issues such as environmental degradation, access to food, security, healthcare, and education continue to affect ordinary Nigerians, with the region’s oil-rich communities bearing a disproportionate burden. PANDEF reiterated its commitment to advocating for sustainable development and peace in the Niger Delta, urging Tinubu to appoint competent professionals to the newly established South-South Development Commission to complement state-led efforts.
The group’s statement concluded with a renewed call for collaboration and progress, expressing hope that Tinubu’s leadership would continue to foster reconciliation and unity across Nigeria. “PANDEF looks forward to continued collaboration, progress, and peace in the days ahead,” Igali stated, underscoring the organisation’s dedication to the Niger Delta’s development and Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
As Nigeria marks 26 years of unbroken democracy since 1999, PANDEF’s message serves as both a commendation of Tinubu’s efforts to honour past heroes and a reminder of the work needed to ensure democratic stability and equitable development in Rivers State and beyond.
