MEDIA STATEMENT - EMBARGOED - FOR RELEASE ON JUNE 12 1997

The South African Nigerian Democratic Support Group (SANDSG) today wishes to remind the world at large and the South African people in particular of the anniversary of the historic free and fair election in Nigeria held on June 12 1993 in which Chief M.K.O. Abiola was elected president.

This election was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida and upheld by the military dictator, General Sani Abacha, who seized power in a palace coup in November 1993. Abiola has been languishing in prison since June 24 1994, only because he wished to acknowledge the mandate handed to him by the Nigerian people.

The annulment of the June 12th mandate was the beginning of Nigeria’s decent from civility to barbarity, from prosperity to adversity, from pride of Africa to shame of Africa. In short, a decent from grace to hell.

There is a lesson to be learnt by the junta (Abacha and his bedfellows) from the example of President Nelson Mandela’s life and leadership. President Mandela stood for the truth and he stood by the people. Abacha and his bedfellows must be made to know that the truth cannot be destroyed by repression. Since Abacha does not respect the sanctity of the ballot box, we cannot see Nigeria as a nation ever holding an acceptable presidential election under his rule.  His transitional programme is a farce.

June 12 1993 represents a stolen election. The current situation in Nigeria constitutes the theft of the Nigerian people’s mandate and such a theft is the harbinger of other forms of grand corruption involving theft of the country’s resources. It is therefore immoral and against all ethical standards for respectable leaders to be hobnobbing with criminals. The moral foundation and fabric of global governance is diminished by the recognition and acceptance of an immoral regime in Nigeria. ABACHA SHOULD BE MADE AN OUTCAST NOW! A thief does not belong in the civilised world.

The SANDSG pledges its solidarity with the struggle for democracy in Nigeria and demands the following:

* The immediate and unconditional release of Chief MK Abiola and all other political prisoners;

* The immediate end to military rule and a transfer of power to a transitional government of national unity;
* The convening of a sovereign national conference to seek popular solutions to the political, economic, socio-cultural and other historical problems confronting Nigeria;

* A popular democratic transition programme;

* Provision of the Nigerian environment against all forms of degradation and violations by all companies and agencies operating in Nigeria; and

* The entrenchment and defence of the rule of law.

Unless and until these demands are met we call on the international community, Western governments in particular and also the South African government to ensure that:

* Diplomatic and other pressures are placed on the Nigerian military government to accede to these demands;

* The Nigerian military government of General Sani Abacha is expelled from the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity;

* An embargo is placed on Nigerian oil throughout the world

* The bank accounts of Nigerian military leaders and their families and supporters are frozen;

* Visas are denied to all Nigerian military officials and their families

We further call on the people of South Africa to support and assist those who are fighting for democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria to ensure that freedom and human rights are not only enjoyed by a few people on this continent but are enjoyed by ALL Africans!

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS: Nigerian Congress for Democracy; Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People; Freedom of Expression Institute; Foundation for Global Dialogue; Earthlife Africa; South African Communist Party; Lawyers for Human Rights;
Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Mission, Youth, Justice and Service Unit; Ceasefire Campaign; Congress of South African Trade Unions; Swaziland Solidarity Committee; Workers Organisation for Socialist Action;

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT RAASHIED GALANT AT (011) 403 8403 OR DARE AJAYI DARE AT (011) 435 0658/9