The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) would like the AMARC Pan African Conference to adopt a resolution specifically on Nigeria:

Noting that the military ruler of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha, has promised a general election and a complete transition to civilian rule by the end of 1998;

And noting the importance of freedom of expression and media freedom during periods of transition to allow the media to:
1.adequately and effectively inform citizens about the options they   have with regard to democratic selection;
2. Serve as a watchdog to the current authorities;
3. Expose and report on human rights violations;
4. Give fair and equitable treatment to all those parties contesting   elections and individuals who wish to stand as candidates;

This conference condemns the Nigerian military government’s continued violation of the freedom of expression rights of the people of Nigeria and calls for:

* The release of ALL political prisoners who are currently detained without charge or trial as well as those convicted through unfair trials;

* An immediate end to the harrasment of independent journalists in Nigeria;

* A guarantee for the safety and ability of journalists to work freely in the Ogoni region in Nigeria;

* The immediate withdrawal of treason charges against Nobel Literature laureate Wole Soyinka and 14 others;

* A repeal of all laws which violate human rights and media freedom, specifically:

- the State Security Decree No. 2 of 1984, which allows for the indefinate  detention without trial of political prisoners;

- the Federal Military Government Decree No. 12 of 1994, which prohibits  any legal challeges to military decrees;

- the Offensive Publications Decree No. 35 of 1993, which allows for the  proscription, seizure and confiscation of publications;

- the Newspaper Registration Decree No 43 of 1993, which forces   newspapers to pay for a licence in order to operate;

- and the repeal of sections 6 and 9 of the National Broadcasting   Commission Decree No. 38 of 1992, which allows the government to   interfere in the duties of the Broadcasting Commission and allows the   commission to withhold licences where the station has operated in a way  "detrimental to the national interest"

This conference resolves to forward its call pertaining to Nigeria to the relevant authorities in Nigeria, the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations.