Ken Saro-Wiwa remembered
By Dr Willie Nwido
Two years ago, on November 10, we were treated to the terrifying shock of the judicial murder of our beloved leader and compatriot Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others. This murder prompted widespread international condemnation, resulting in limited sanctions which amounted to little more than a slap on the wrist for the Nigerian military junta.
Nothing has changed in Nigeria — except for the worse.
The ruling junta of General Sani Abacha continues to violate the dignity and rights of its critics, including opposition politicians, journalists and human rights activists, especially members of the Movement Of the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).
Ogoniland remains under military occupation and has been declared a military zone; members of the Ogoni community continue to suffer harassment, detentions and murders at the hands of these soldiers of fortune in an effort to silence protests and criticisms of the regime's and Shell Oil's policies in the region.
At least 20 Ogoni prisoners are currently facing the prospect of being tried on identical charges before the same Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal which convicted Saro-Wiwa and his compatriots. Most of them have been in detention since mid-1994. Charges were formally lodged only in September 1995.
The prisoners are held incommunicado and are regularly physically and mentally tortured. All sectors of Nigerian society, notably, trade unions, journalists, environmental and human rights activists, students, have been affected.
As we remember our heroes and friends, it is reassuring that our struggle has come to represent the hopes and aspirations of all oppressed and repressed indigenous and minority peoples within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Given the combination of the immense forces against us, the resources at their disposal and their legendary brutality, the road to freedom is by no means an easy one. But to fail would be a betrayal of the dead, enslavement of the living and perpetual depravity for the future generation.
Inspired by the sacrifices of our heroes, fortified by the lessons of history and vindicated by the justness of our cause, we can assure you of success in the end.
[Dr Willie Nwido is MOSOP representative in South Africa. MOSOP can be contacted at +27 11 933 2121 (phone) or +27 11 403 8903 (fax).]