The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for posthumously honouring Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, describing it as a meaningful recognition of their sacrifices.
In a statement issued on Friday by PANDEF’s national chairman, Godknows Igali, the group praised Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, which included the conferment of national honours and a full state pardon on the activists, nearly 30 years after their execution under the Sani Abacha military regime.
“We particularly salute President Bola Tinubu, who now has the privilege of leading the nation in commemorating Democracy Day—a day that honours the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, unjustly annulled by the then-military regime,” the statement read.
PANDEF described the pardons as a major step toward acknowledging the struggles of Nigeria’s democratic heroes and underscored the relevance of June 12 in charting the country’s democratic journey.
While noting efforts by successive governments to deliver democratic dividends, PANDEF lamented persistent challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, including hunger, insecurity, limited access to healthcare and education, and ongoing environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
The group also raised concerns over the political turmoil in Rivers State, calling on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently intervene and restore democratic governance in the state.
“The prolonged political crisis in the state has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” the statement said.
Calling for peace and reconciliation, PANDEF urged all political actors in Rivers to embrace unity, quoting Ecclesiastes 3:8 to drive home its message: “There is a time to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace. The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honour of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.”
The group reiterated its commitment to promoting people-centred governance and accountability, especially in the Niger Delta region.