Saro-Wiwa, Ogoni 9 Didn’t Commit Any Crime Deserving Pardon – Monarch Asserts, Insists Pardon Targets Ogoni Oil

The pardon granted playwright, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa, and eight others, popularly referred to as the Ogoni 9 by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has been declared of no relevance.

The Paramount Ruler of Eweh Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Benedict Tebirawa, JP, made this declaration, accusing the Federal Government of targeting Ogoni oil.

“He has tried but I do not see any offense they committed to deserve pardon. He is doing this to make us happy so they can continue to explore Ogoni oil.”

He commended President Tinubu for the pardon he granted Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow compatriots but posited that this is not enough, especially, as they did not commit any offense.

He referred the President and the Federal Government to the Ogoni Bill of Rights, saying it contains the fundamental demands of the Ogoni people, stressing that this should be done before the commencement of oil exploration activities in Ogoni land. 

“I am not happy remembering the incident as Ken was my relation. I used to be with him in his house. “Since the unfortunate incident has happened and we cannot take back the hands of time, they should go ahead to implement the contents of the Ogoni Bill of Rights.

“They should allow Ogoni people enjoy a fair share of their oil before resuming oil exploration activities. This should be clearly spelt out and include a fair employment quota for the people.” 

“They should also ensure Ogoni language is taught in schools just like the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages, etc.”

Mene Tebirawa, who has been on the throne for 26 years, also asked President Tinubu to restore democratic rule in Rivers State as they are just like orphans currently, so that they can enjoy the dividends of democracy. He concluded by asking the Ogoni people to remain peaceful and avoid riots as the right thing will be done in due course.