PDP Condoles Family of Ken Saro Wiwa Jr

By Dipo Olowookere

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commiserated with the family of late Mr Ken Saro Wiwa Jr., son of late renowned Nigerian writer, and environmental activist, Mr Kenule ‘Ken’ Beeson Saro-Wiwa.

In a statement signed by Chinwe Nnorom, the Head of Publicity Division on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the deceased was described as a “rare gem that will be missed by all who knew him.”

Mr Ken Saro Wiwa Jr. was an author and a journalist during his lifetime. He died on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 after a brief illness at the age of 47.

In the press statement, the opposition party said the short life journey of Mr Saro Wiwa Jr. “no doubt, recorded successes on many fronts especially; his contribution in journalism and literary work (which would) not be forgotten in a hurry.”

“We pray the family to bear this irreparable loss of a great son, father and patriot of Ogoni Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria,” the party said.

Mr Saro Wiwa Jr. was appointed by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 as his Special Assistant on Peace, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.

He also served the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as his Special Assistant on International Affairs.

His late father, who was killed during the military junta in Nigeria for fighting for Ogoniland, was the winner of the Right Livelihood Award and the Goldman Environmental Prize.