SG/SM/6632

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SHOCK AT NEWS OF DEATH IN ABUJA OF MOSHOOD ABIOLA

Recalls Meeting with Chief Last Week; Calls on All Nigerians to Support Democratic Transition to Early Civilian Rule

The following statement was issued today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Nigerian Government has confirmed to me this afternoon the death in Abuja today of Moshood Abiola.

I am shocked by the news. I had met with Chief Abiola just last week, and he seemed in good health. I expected his imminent release from detention by the authorities, and the beginning of a process to restore democratic civilian rule to Nigeria.

My heart goes out to his family. I wish to express to them my sincerest condolences.

I hope the Government will make good on its pledge to release all remaining political prisoners, unconditionally, and to define a credible process for the democratic transition to civilian rule within a reasonable time-frame.

I call on all Nigerians to unite in support of this effort.

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United Nations