June 9, 1998 No. 154

AXWORTHY COMMENTS ON DEATH OF NIGERIA'S GENERAL ABACHA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today responded to the news of Nigerian Head of State Sani Abacha's death on June 8.

"I have been informed of the passing away of General Abacha. In his country, General Abacha was Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council. This body's principal task is to bring Nigeria through a three-year transition to democratic government and the rule of law."

"We trust that the death of its Chairman will not deter the Council from achieving its vital objective and may spur its members to ensure the full participation of all Nigerians in the upcoming election."

"On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the election of Chief Moshood Abiola, the Council has a historic opportunity to support the democratic process in Nigeria by releasing Chief Abiola and other political prisoners."

Minister Axworthy made his comments while attending the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

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