The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed posthumous state pardons for the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others executed by the Sani Abacha-led administration.
A statement signed by the OYF Publicity Secretary, Lene Kingsley Lekue, explained that Ken Saro-Wiwa was not guilty of any crime and did not need to be pardoned.
The group noted that the Ogoni 9 deserved to be honoured given their role in enabling democracy in the country with their lives.
According to them, honouring the slain will enable the quest for national healing and reconciliation.
The statement read, “We totally reject the planned pardon in its entirety. Pardons are given to criminals. Ken Saro-Wiwa wasn’t guilty of any crime and do not earn the pardon.
“What we are asking for is the exoneration of the name of Ken Saro-Wiwa from the Justice Auta Ibrahim kangaroo Tribunal and for a National, Posthumous Honour to be bestowed on him and other martyrs like it was bestowed on M.K.O. Abiola, Babagana Kingibe and Gani Fawehinmi and not a pardon.
“No accolade whatsoever has hitherto been given to Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight lieutenants despite their roles in enthroning democracy in the country with their lives.
“OYF believes that honouring these martyrs would perfect the quest for national healing and reconciliation.
“According to the provision of section 35(6) of the 1999 constitution as amended which provides that any person who is unlawfully arrested, detained and or suffered injustice shall be entitled to compensation and apology from the appropriate authority. Just like the decision of the Court in Chairman EFCC V David Littlechild (2015) L.C.N./7962(C.A.)
“O.Y.F. also queried the clandestine moves by some Ogoni elders to visit President Buhari without the involvement of the youth. This is worrisome and unacceptable. While we shall settle the matter internally, such inordinate move shouldn’t repeat itself.”
