Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Conscience of Ogoni People, COOP, has called for the judicial exoneration of the late environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni martyrs, arguing that it was essential for the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland.
The group, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that the wrongful conviction and execution of the Ogoni Nine by the military regime in 1995 must be overturned to pave the way for lasting peace and economic development in the region.
COOP’s leader, Chief Gani Topba, pointed to the ongoing resentment among the Ogoni people due to the unresolved injustices, including environmental degradation and human rights violations linked to oil exploration in Ogoniland.
“Only a judicial exoneration will truly address the historical wrongs and open the door for productive dialogue on the return of oil activities in Ogoniland,” Topba stated.
The group’s appeal comes after years of attempts for resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni by the federal government, with Ogoni communities insisting that any discussions on oil resumption must first include the reversal of the “condemned criminal” label placed on the Ogoni Nine.
COOP further emphasized that 28 years since
the wrongful executions have not diminished the need for justice, calling on the government to work with the people of Ogoni to secure the posthumous acquittal of the martyrs.
In the letter, COOP praised President Tinubu’s recent statement acknowledging Ogoni nine, noting that it was a step toward healing, however, they urged him to take more decisive action, stressing that the injustice faced by the Ogoni martyrs and their people was still felt deeply
“We applaud your deep sense of solidarity with the Ogoni people and urge you to go a step further to correct the injustices alluded to in your statement.
“It is important to stress that the only offence the Ogoni people and the slain martyrs committed was that they demanded for protection of their environment from Shell, a marauding and reckless multinational, as well as a fair share of the proceeds of their God-given endowments,” COOP wrote.
Topba in the letter also revisited the controversial trial that led to the execution of the Ogoni Nine, pointing out that even those who testified against the Ogoni Nine later admitted to being bribed by the government.
“Ken Saro Wiwa, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Dr. Barinem Nubari Kiobel, Mr. Baribor Beera and five others were charged with the offence of murder. The prosecution’s case did not show any shred of evidence that the accused persons were part of the 2,000 riotous youths claimed to have carried out the alleged crime.
“At least, two witnesses who testified that Ken Saro Wiwa was involved in the murders of the Ogoni elders later recanted in the presence of SPDC’s lawyer, stating that they had been bribed with money and offers of jobs with the SPDC to give false testimony against the accused persons.”
The group maintained that the exoneration of the Ogoni Nine was the key to unlocking the potential for future oil exploration in Ogoniland, where the people have long awaited reparations and recognition.
“Ogoni people passionately appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria to erase the ‘condemned criminal label’ from the names of Ken Saro Wiwa and the eight Ogoni martyrs,” the letter stated.
COOP also made it clear that any discussions around oil resumption should be led by the people of Ogoni.
“Ogoni people resolve that after cleaning the ‘criminal label’ from the Ogoni Martyrs, President Bola Tinubu should direct the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd to meet with the generality of the Ogoni people at the traditional Headquarters of Ogoniland in Bori who will give the NNPC free access to re-enter Ogoniland for the resumption of oil operations.”
The letter concluded with a plea for action, urging President Tinubu to use his influence to bring justice to the Ogoni people, saying that by addressing the longstanding issues of injustice, Nigeria will not only begin to heal from its troubled past but also gain international respect for its commitment to human rights and fairness.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to take steps and or cooperate with Ogoni people towards securing the judicial reversal of the judgment of the Ibrahim Auta-led Tribunal as well as the complete acquittal/exoneration of the ‘Ogoni Nine.”
