July 7, 1998 No. 167

CANADA REGRETS DEATH OF CHIEF ABIOLA

Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour expressed their regret upon hearing of the death in detention of Chief Moshood Abiola, presumed winner of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election. They also offered Canada's condolences to Chief Abiola's family and to the nation.

"It is with sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Chief Abiola," said Minister Axworthy. "His death has deprived the Nigerian people of an individual who could have made a major contribution to national reconciliation and democracy. The Nigerian government must now move decisively and unequivocally to ensure a freely contested and fair election for a new President."

Mr. Axworthy also called upon the Nigerian government to release immediately all remaining political prisoners.

"With the passing of Chief Abiola, we can only encourage the Nigerian people to continue their efforts to realize his vision for a free and democratic Nigeria now," said Secretary of State Kilgour.

After the 1993 elections were annulled, Abiola declared that he was the rightful president of Nigeria. The regime accused him of treason and jailed him in 1994. The democratic movement in Nigeria and the international community, including Canada, denounced his imprisonment and consistently called for his unconditional release. His family has always claimed that the years in detention threatened his already precarious health.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Sara Mohsin

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca