By CHARLES IWUOHA

President Bola Tinubu’s pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa, among other Nigerians, is a significant step towards reconciliation and justice, Comrade Matthew Dighi, a Niger Delta leader has stated.

News Express recalls that President Tinubu, on Thursday, granted pardon to 175 Nigerians, including members of the Ogoni 9 and Ogoni 4, among whom the late Saro-Wiwa is prominently featured.

In a statement issued Friday morning, signed by Comrade Matthew Dighi, Chairman, Central Working Committee, 2025 All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference cum 30th Anniversary of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Mazi Chidiebere Nwodo, Esq, the Secretary, they extended gratitude to Tinubu for the honour.

The group said the presidential pardon “marks a significant step towards reconciliation and justice for the many whose voices have been silenced unjustly.”

The youth organizations also used the opportunity to throw their weight behind the proposed National Forest Guards.

“We commend the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his proposed initiative to establish Forest Guards.

“This initiative represents a proactive approach towards bolstering national security, aimed at combating the pressing issues of crime and kidnapping that plague our forests.

“We, the youth of Nigeria, stand resolutely in support of this initiative, pledging our commitment to contribute to the security and safety of our communities,” they stated.

On the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th anniversary, they disclosed that owing to recent discussions and thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and leaders from the Ogoni community, “the 2025 All Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference and the 30th Anniversary of Ken Saro-Wiwa has been rescheduled to November 7, 2025.”

Dighi, who put security agencies on high alert against impostors, urged the public to disregard any announcements regarding the occurrence of the event on October 10, 2025.

“It is imperative to note that no individual or group has the authorization from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to organize or conduct this event on any date other than November 7, 2025.

“We call upon all security agencies to take note of this announcement and to be alert to any potential disruptions relating to unauthorized events,” he stated.