Review Death Sentences Passed on Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others, MOSOP Urges FG

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt
As the people of Ogoni mark the anniversary of the killing of renowned playwright and environmentalists, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight of his kinsmen on November 10, 1995 following their conviction by a military tribunal, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People  (MOSOP ) has called on the federal government to quash the sentences.

The other persons hanged alongside Saro-Wiwa included Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.

A statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, in Port Harcourt yesterday said: “Today keeps in our memory, the sacrifices of our heroes, it ignites the realities of their innocence, their unfair trial and the pains of how they were hurriedly and brutally killed by the Nigerian government on November 10, 1995.

“The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) calls on the Nigerian government to review the sentences passed on Ogoni leaders 21 years ago by a military tribunal in Port Harcourt.

“A review of the sentences will demonstrate that the present government would not have acted in the way of the military authorities in 1995 and that today’s Nigeria is truly commited to right the wrongs of the past and to set Nigeria on the path of a just society committed to civilised values.”

THISDAY gathered that a memorial service would hold today at the family house of Saro-Wiwa in honour of all “Ogoni Martyrs”, including Ken Saro-Wiwa Jnr who died recently in a London hospital.

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