8th November 2023
HIS EXCELLENCY
BOLA AHMED TINUBU
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
ASO VILLA
ABUJA, NIGERIA.
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR EXONERATION Of KEN SARO WIWA AND EIGHT OTHERS FROM TRUMPED-UP CHARGES.
Dear Mr. President,
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirit. We are writing to you on behalf of Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, a non-governmental organization committed to advocating for minority rights and environmental justice. We believe in promoting a society where the fundamental rights of every individual are respected and protected, regardless of their ethnic background or social status.
Firstly, we would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the Federal Government under your leadership for sustaining the Ogoni cleanup exercise. The Ogoni Clean-Up project carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project, HYPREP, has proven to be a significant step towards rectifying the environmental devastation that has plagued Ogoniland and the Niger Delta region for many years. This initiative is commendable as it demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving our natural resources, restoring the environment and protecting the health and well-being of the people living in these areas.
However, it is with great concern that we bring your attention to an urgent matter that requires your intervention. We appeal to you to reconsider the case of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight of his colleagues namely; Saturday Doobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbokoo, Paul Levura, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuinen, who were convicted on trumped-up charges and murdered in 1995 by the Nigerian State. BY THAT, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO CARRY THE GUILT OF ACTIONS THEY NEVER COMMITTED, EVEN IN DEATH. These individuals were unjustly sentenced to death for merely daring to campaign for minority rights and environmental justice in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta region.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, a reputable environmental activist, writer, and organizer, dedicated his life to raising awareness about the severe ecological degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta. His efforts to mobilize the Ogoni people to demand environmental justice and political representation as indigenous people in Nigeria were met with intimidation, suppression arrest, detention and killing by powerful interests, including the government and the multinationals. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns raised by Ken Saro Wiwa and his colleagues, they were falsely accused, convicted, and gruesomely executed.
We humbly request that you use your esteemed office to review their cases (the Ogoni 9) and grant them the justice they deserve. It is within your power to bring about a long-overdue exoneration for Ken Saro Wiwa and his colleagues, thereby restoring their honor and the dignity of their families. By doing so, you would send a strong message to the world that Nigeria values justice, fairness, and the protection of human rights.
We firmly believe that the exoneration of these individuals would be a monumental step towards healing the wounds inflicted upon the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta region. It would demonstrate your government’s commitment to correcting past injustices, promoting reconciliation, and fostering an inclusive society where every citizen can live without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Once again, we express our gratitude for your dedication to the Ogoni cleanup exercise. We trust that you will give due consideration to our request for the exoneration of Ken Saro Wiwa and his colleagues. This act of compassion and justice would undoubtedly usher in lasting impact on the Nigerian people and enhance our reputation as a nation committed to upholding the values of equality and human rights.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We eagerly await your favorable response and remain hopeful for a just resolution.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Lenee Gbarale
Executive Director
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre
rainbowwatchdc2014@gmail.com
