By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for granting a posthumous pardon to the late Ogoni Nine and conferring national honours on the Ogoni Four, describing the move as a milestone toward healing and unity in the state.
Governor Fubara gave the commendation on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, following President Tinubu’s announcement during the Council of State meeting on Thursday that the Ogoni 13 and other Nigerians dead or alive had been granted state pardon.
He said the gesture would foster genuine reconciliation, promote lasting peace among Ogoni communities, and accelerate the development of Rivers State.
The Ogoni Nine Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were granted posthumous pardons for their “exemplary service to Nigeria and for promoting reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Similarly, four other Ogoni leaders Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage received national honours for their patriotism and contributions to peace and unity in Ogoniland.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara expressed the gratitude of the Rivers State Government to President Tinubu, the Council of State, and Nigerians for recognising the sacrifices and patriotism of the Ogoni 13.
He assured the President of his administration’s unwavering support in achieving full reconciliation among the Ogoni people, adding that the Federal Government’s gesture has rekindled hope and restored confidence across the communities.
Governor Fubara appealed to Rivers residents, particularly the Ogoni people, to embrace the pardon as a historic step toward addressing long-standing grievances and promoting peace.
According to him, the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the region, particularly through environmental restoration and development projects, demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of the people of Ogoniland.
He urged the Ogoni people to continue supporting government policies and programmes at all levels to ensure that the renewed spirit of unity translates into tangible progress across the state and the nation.
Governor Fubara reiterated that peace, understanding, and cooperation remain vital to achieving sustainable development and healing the wounds of the past.