Ken Saro-Wiwa: Denied a Coffin, Grave and Bus -By Nnimmo Bassey

Let us say The BUS was the capstone for a missing grave; for the missing graves.

When the Nigerian state judicially murdered Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, and viciously desecrated their bodies with acid, the lords of the gulag never imagined that their spirits would not die. However, humans are yet to find a way to destroy the human spirit. The body may be tortured in heinous ways and they may disintegrate, but the spirit remains, mocking the foolery of callous men and human systems.

Despite the fact of the murder of several environmental and justice activists around the world, the struggle for justice has not slacked. Indeed, 10 November, that day of infamy, has become the Day of Remembrance of martyrs of extractivism.

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart. Nevertheless, I also find hope dancing at the edges of my heart. I shudder just thinking of the level of pollution of Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta. But I am strengthened by the courage of a people who have refused to be cowed.

“I’m not worried for myself. When I undertook to confront Shell & the Nigerian establishment, I signed my death warrant, so to speak. At 52, I think I’ve served my time and, come to face it, I’ve lived a charmed life. A few books more, maybe, & the opportunity to assist others would have been welcome. But it’s okay.”

Killings, rapes and sundry harassments could not and will not kill their spirit. Neither has the seizure of The Bus, a sculpture in steel, dampened the resolve of the people never to forget that November 10. Last night thousands held up lit candles to signify that the fire will keep burning.

I woke with a heavy heart, but remain encouraged as I read a fragment of one of the last letters of Ken Saro-Wiwa. May I share it with you?

“I’m not worried for myself. When I undertook to confront Shell & the Nigerian establishment, I signed my death warrant, so to speak. At 52, I think I’ve served my time and, come to face it, I’ve lived a charmed life. A few books more, maybe, & the opportunity to assist others would have been welcome. But it’s okay.”

Today we salute the courage of these heroes who laid down their lives in the struggle against ecocide. We send strength to the families that they left behind. We send strength to the families of all victims of extractivism around the world.

Hasta la Victoria siempre!

Nnimmo Bassey is an environmental activist and the founder of Health of Mother Earth Foundation.