The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent grant of posthumous clemency to the late General Mamman Vatsa and Ken Saro-Wiwa, describing the gesture as a landmark step toward national healing and reconciliation.
In a statement signed by its President, Adeniran Makinde (fta), NANTAP said the President’s action, coming decades after the controversial executions of both men, represents “a significant step in our nation’s journey towards truth, healing, and reconciliation.”
According to the association, the clemency not only restores dignity to the two late icons but also reaffirms the enduring role of the arts, literature, and creative voices in shaping Nigeria’s democratic and cultural identity.
“The arts, literature, and voices of conscience—such as those of Vatsa and Saro-Wiwa—remain eternal, inspiring generations long after their physical silencing,” NANTAP stated.
The group noted that General Mamman Vatsa, a poet and patron of the arts, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, a globally celebrated writer and environmental activist, both embodied the spirit of artistic courage and creative resistance. Their lives and works, NANTAP added, continue to speak to themes of justice, freedom, and the transformative power of the arts.
NANTAP lauded President Tinubu for what it called “an act of statesmanship” that restores dignity to two cultural figures whose sacrifices continue to shape Nigeria’s collective consciousness.
“This singular act underscores the vital role of memory in nation-building and opens a new chapter for dialogue, unity, and reconciliation,” the statement read.
The association further urged Nigerians to embrace the clemency as an opportunity to reaffirm shared values of justice, democracy, and cultural pride, while pledging to continue preserving the legacies of the two national heroes through theatre, literature, and performance.
NANTAP said it remains committed to ensuring that the stories of Vatsa and Saro-Wiwa continue to inspire future generations and foster a stronger, more united Nigeria.
