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Redemption for Ken Saro-Wiwa? Legal Battle Launched to Overturn Conviction of Ogoni 9
The Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP) has taken its legal battle to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed its suit aimed at securing the exoneration of renowned environmental activist, the late Kenule Saro-Wiwa, and eight others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The group, Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), is challenging the conviction and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders by the military regime of General Sani Abacha over their alleged role in the murder of four individuals, popularly referred to as the ‘Ogoni 4’. The nine men were tried by a Special Tribunal headed by Justice Ibrahim Auta and executed on November 10, 1995.
In 2017, COOP approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to seek their formal exoneration. However, the case was dismissed. The group proceeded to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, which also upheld the lower court’s decision and struck out the appeal on August 2, 2019.
Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt on Friday, COOP leader Chief Gani Topba revealed that the group has taken the case to the Supreme Court, expressing optimism that justice will prevail.
“I call on all Ogoni people and human rights advocates around the world to remain optimistic. The Supreme Court is now handling the matter,” Topba said. “We are confident that the apex court will correctly interpret the issue of locus standi as guided by the Fundamental Rights Enforcement (Procedure) Rules, 2009.”
He warned those spreading negative narratives about Ken Saro-Wiwa to refrain from doing so, defending the late environmentalist’s legacy.
Topba added that although the Federal High Court dismissed the case, the presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi Liman, clearly stated that neither Saro-Wiwa nor the other eight were found guilty of any crime.
“I encourage our people to keep hope alive. Justice may have been delayed, but it is not denied,” he added.
Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has criticised ongoing government efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former insurgents and convicted criminals, describing the policy as one that undermines victims and law-abiding citizens.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a post on his verified X handle on Friday, Shehu argued that the primary duty of the state is to enforce the law strictly, maintain order, and protect lives and property without compromise.
He stated that forgiveness of offenders, in his view, belongs to God and not government institutions.
According to him, “It is the prerogative of God to forgive offenders, sinners and other murderers on judgement day.”
Shehu also faulted various rehabilitation and amnesty programmes for ex-militants and insurgents over the years, including members of Boko Haram and ISWAP, saying such policies risk sending the wrong signal to society.
He cited reports that over 700 repentant insurgents recently completed de-radicalisation training and are being prepared for reintegration into communities, questioning the wisdom of returning them to areas they previously attacked.
Shehu warned that such decisions could anger victims’ families and potentially encourage criminal behaviour among unemployed youths who may see similar treatment as an incentive.
He concluded that the policy reflects what he described as a troubling imbalance in the justice system.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of US-based medical doctor, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who passed away after a brief illness.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Doctors, nurses and other health workers in Abia State hospitals have been directed to prioritize saving patients’ lives in emergency cases before requesting any form of payment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The directive was issued during an ongoing training programme organized by the Abia State Government in Umuahia for medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians, as well as Patient Liaison Officers (PLOs).
The training also emphasized the need for improved communication between hospital staff and patients, warning against the use of harsh language and encouraging more compassionate care.
Speaking at the session, Chief Executive Officer of Quantus Medical Foundation, Dr. Nnenna Ihekoromadu, decried poor patient–health worker relationships in many Nigerian hospitals.
She stressed that emergency patients should never be denied treatment due to inability to make payment, insisting that stabilization and care must come first.
According to her, “If a patient comes in an emergency situation and cannot afford care, they must be treated first, stabilized, and then payment can follow.”
She also called on government to improve welfare packages for healthcare workers to enable better service delivery.
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