The article text:
Nigeria's president has pardoned the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, 30 years after his execution sparked global outrage. Along with eight other campaigners, Mr. Saro-Wiwa was convicted of murder and hanged in 1995 by the then-military regime. Many believed these activists were punished for protesting against oil multinationals, particularly Shell, in Nigeria's Ogoniland. Shell has long denied involvement in the executions.
While the pardons have been welcomed, some activists and relatives feel they don't go far enough. Besides the pardons, President Bola Tinubu also bestowed national honors on Mr. Saro-Wiwa and his fellow campaigners, collectively known as the Ogoni Nine. The recognition took place during Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations.
Tinubu stated these accolades recognized "heroes" who contributed significantly to the nation's democracy. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (Mosop), formerly led by Saro-Wiwa, called the pardon a "courageous act" but argued it implies guilt, asserting "no crime ever took place." Barinem Kiobel's widow thanked Tinubu for the honor but urged him to declare her husband and the others innocent, as "a pardon is not granted to the innocent."
Amnesty International echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the clemency falls "far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need." Campaigners believe further actions are necessary to hold oil companies accountable for environmental damage in Nigeria. Saro-Wiwa, a leading author, led peaceful demonstrations against Shell and other companies, accusing them of polluting local land.
Following the activists' execution, the international community condemned it as extrajudicial murder, making it a symbol of the fight against environmental injustice. Consequently, Nigeria faced suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations.
In subsequent years, Shell has faced several lawsuits over oil spills and environmental harm in the Niger Delta, where Ogoniland is located. In 2021, a Dutch court ordered Shell to compensate farmers affected by spills that contaminated farmland and fishing waters. Earlier this year, Ogoniland communities argued in a London court that Shell should take responsibility for pollution occurring from 1989 to 2020. Although the company claims these spills were due to sabotage and theft, the case will proceed to trial in 2026.
Nigeria's president has pardoned the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, 30 years after his execution sparked global outrage. Along with eight other campaigners, Mr. Saro-Wiwa was convicted of murder and hanged in 1995 by the then-military regime. Many believed these activists were punished for protesting against oil multinationals, particularly Shell, in Nigeria's Ogoniland. Shell has long denied involvement in the executions.
While the pardons have been welcomed, some activists and relatives feel they don't go far enough. Besides the pardons, President Bola Tinubu also bestowed national honors on Mr. Saro-Wiwa and his fellow campaigners, collectively known as the Ogoni Nine. The recognition took place during Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations.
Tinubu stated these accolades recognized "heroes" who contributed significantly to the nation's democracy. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (Mosop), formerly led by Saro-Wiwa, called the pardon a "courageous act" but argued it implies guilt, asserting "no crime ever took place." Barinem Kiobel's widow thanked Tinubu for the honor but urged him to declare her husband and the others innocent, as "a pardon is not granted to the innocent."
Amnesty International echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the clemency falls "far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need." Campaigners believe further actions are necessary to hold oil companies accountable for environmental damage in Nigeria. Saro-Wiwa, a leading author, led peaceful demonstrations against Shell and other companies, accusing them of polluting local land.
Following the activists' execution, the international community condemned it as extrajudicial murder, making it a symbol of the fight against environmental injustice. Consequently, Nigeria faced suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations.
In subsequent years, Shell has faced several lawsuits over oil spills and environmental harm in the Niger Delta, where Ogoniland is located. In 2021, a Dutch court ordered Shell to compensate farmers affected by spills that contaminated farmland and fishing waters. Earlier this year, Ogoniland communities argued in a London court that Shell should take responsibility for pollution occurring from 1989 to 2020. Although the company claims these spills were due to sabotage and theft, the case will proceed to trial in 2026.
