Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has posthumously conferred national honours on four Ogoni leaders executed in 1995 by the regime of General Sani Abacha.
The awardees including Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Badey, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage received the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) each.
According to the president, the recognition was given in appreciation of their sacrifice and unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
He said, “May their memories continue to inspire unity, courage and purpose among us. I urge the Ogoni people across classes, communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us and move forward as a united community with one voice.”
President Tinubu pledged his administration’s support for peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in Ogoniland, while confirming plans to facilitate the resumption of oil production in the area.
He said, “I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production. The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity.”
Recalling that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari handed the operatorship of the Ogoni oil field to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners, the President directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to begin engagements between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.
