A Death in Nigeria

Let the world say a requiem for democracy in Nigeria. The results from the 1993 election will never be honored, according to Sani Abacha, the general who now reigns as president without benefit of a vote.

Abacha has declared the 1993 election, won by another, null and void. Despite condemnation by other African nations and the Western democracies, he arrogantly refuses to return Nigeria to civilian rule.

There is still no sign of the legitimately elected president, Moshood Abiola, a businessman who defied the military rulers. Is he still in prison? On death row? What is his future?

Last month, Abacha’s regime hanged Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent environmentalist and rights activist, and eight others who had protested the rape of their people’s land. The nine had spoken out against pollution of water by oil interests and mistreatment of the minority group.

Who will be next? The five pro-democracy activists who were arrested last week for trying to demonstrate for the release of the man who should be president?

Abacha, the rogue president, told Nigerians on Thursday: “There comes a time in the life of a nation when certain events have to be overlooked in the larger interest. .J.J. Let us resolve to put past acrimonies behind us and march forward together with hope toward nationhood.” Hope? There is absolutely no reason for hope in Africa’s most populous nation.

Abacha’s so-called reconciliation committee, filled with his cronies, can fool no one at home, or abroad. His cynical message should further enrage all people of goodwill in Nigeria and around the world.

International sanctions--including a global embargo of Nigerian oil to deprive the government of its richest source of revenues--might choke off Abacha’s power. It should be done.