Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has granted a full pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight Ogoni leaders who were executed in 1995.
This announcement was made during a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day on Thursday.
Tinubu also conferred national honors on several individuals, including Wole Soyinka, Olatunji Dare, and Matthew Hassan Kukah.
He emphasized the importance of democracy and the progress Nigeria has made since the return to democratic rule in 1999, noting that democracy has provided a foundation for progress, justice, and unity in the country, despite its challenges.
The President also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for making June 12 Democracy Day and acknowledging MKO Abiola as the winner of the June 12, 1993 elections.
He highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes of Nigerian democracy, including Kudirat Abiola and Alfred Rewane, who were murdered by agents of military repression, remembered civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who were imprisoned, exiled, or tortured by the military regime.
Tinubu emphasized that the struggle for democracy was a pan-Nigerian effort and that it requires collective commitment to perfect it.
The President assured that Nigeria will not become a one-party state under his leadership, dismissed allegations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is intent on creating a one-party state, saying that such claims are unfounded and driven by panic.
He welcomed new members to the APC from other parties, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.
Tinubu highlighted the progress made in the economy under his administration, noting that the GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, with inflation easing gradually, and the Naira exchange rate stabilizing.
He also mentioned the launch of a new initiative to empower 400,000 young Nigerians with consumer credit and the investment in critical infrastructure, including fiber optic cables, to bridge the digital divide.
Tinubu called on the National Assembly to join him in the second half of his term to enact innovative legislation that encourages industrial development and job creation, expressing gratitude to the legislature for their collaboration on tax reform bills and looked forward to signing them into law.
The President emphasized the importance of cooperation across party lines for the good of the country, announcing the conferment of national honors on several individuals, including posthumous awards to Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and other heroes of Nigerian democracy.
He also conferred honors on prominent individuals, including journalists, activists, and politicians.
Tinubu emphasized that these individuals have made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria and the promotion of democracy, noting the importance of national security and the need for collective effort to ensure peace and progress.
He stressed that his administration has intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists and has improved inter-agency cooperation, thanked the men and women of the Armed Forces for their bravery and selfless dedication to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The President rededicated himself and the nation to the ideals of June 12, including freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, and a just society, wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and prayed for the continued blessings of God on the country.
