Abubakar promised a return to civilian rule by October 1998 and released a number of political prisoners. His death will, by most accounts, make the pro-democracy movement's struggle toward a peaceful political transition more difficult. U.S. citizens can hold educational meetings about Nigeria in their churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, at community meetings, and at work sites. Colleges or universities can invite Nigerian speakers, hold panel discussions, and form Africa-oriented educational groups to perpetuate educational activity about Africa. Local media can be urged to report more African news.
Citizens can also write to news editors and comment on Nigerian issues.
Visits to local elected officials to state a given position are helpful. The issue of oil sanctions can be taken up with Congressional representatives. Because of frequent oil spills and gas flares, the Niger River delta has become one of the most endangered river deltas in the world. Saro-Wiwa was jailed for his political and environmental activities and accused of inciting the murder of four Ogoni leaders. PA 19102 Links are for information only, and do not imply AFSC endorsement.