The highlight of the president’s wide-ranging speech was the conferment of national honours and the formal pardon of Saro-Wiwa and his eight compatriots — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — who were executed under General Sani Abacha’s regime in 1995 following a controversial military tribunal ruling. Their executions had drawn widespread international condemnation and led to Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth.
"I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon," President Tinubu declared, prompting a standing ovation from lawmakers.
The president also bestowed posthumous honours on other figures central to the June 12, 1993 pro-democracy movement, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), and Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), in a sweeping national recognition of the sacrifices made in the struggle for democratic rule.
"This is a long-overdue recognition of their martyrdom and a vital step in national healing," Tinubu said, calling on Nigerians to remember that democracy was born through shared sacrifices that transcended ethnic and political lines.
In a moment of reconciliation and magnanimity, the president stated: “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names... and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”
In addition to honours, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to a pluralistic political system, dismissing rumours of a move toward a one-party state. He welcomed defectors from other parties into the APC but urged opposition groups to “put your house in order” rather than "fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist."
Political observers have noted the speech as one of the most politically significant in recent history — uniting past and present, acknowledging pain, and pledging reform. The posthumous recognition of Ken Saro-Wiwa, in particular, signals a shift in the federal government's historical stance on the controversial case.
President Tinubu also reminded Nigerians: “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive.”
