Presidential Pardon of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Others a Significant Move Toward Reconciliation and Justice – Dighi

Comrade Matthew Dighi, a prominent Niger Delta leader, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s recent pardon of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Nigerians as a meaningful step toward reconciliation and justice.

On Thursday, President Tinubu granted clemency to 175 Nigerians, including members of the Ogoni 9 and Ogoni 4, with the late Saro-Wiwa among those honored.

In a statement released Friday morning, Comrade Dighi, Chairman of the Central Working Committee for the 2025 All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference and 30th Anniversary of Ken Saro-Wiwa, alongside Secretary Mazi Chidiebere Nwodo, expressed gratitude for the pardon.

They described the gesture as “a significant step towards reconciliation and justice for the many whose voices have been unjustly silenced.”

The youth organizations also voiced strong support for the recently proposed National Forest Guards initiative.

“We commend the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his proactive plan to establish Forest Guards. This effort is a vital move to strengthen national security and tackle the rising threats of crime and kidnapping in our forests.

“As the youth of Nigeria, we stand firmly behind this initiative and pledge to do our part in safeguarding our communities,” they said.

Regarding the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th anniversary event, the group announced that following consultations with key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Ogoni community leaders, the event has been rescheduled to November 7, 2025.

Comrade Dighi warned security agencies and the public to be wary of impostors and to disregard any announcements about the event taking place on October 10, 2025.

“No individual or group has been authorized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to hold this event on any date other than November 7, 2025. We urge security agencies to remain vigilant against any unauthorized activities or disruptions,” he concluded.