Parties and candidates must be able to campaign and hold rallies freely, and journalists must be able to comment on the process without fear of harassment. This concern must also be addressed. Police have also warned on several occasions that the Public Order Act requiring a police permit to hold a demonstration is still in effect. Rallies held after Abacha's death and in protest at the death of Chief Abiola were broken up by police, and tens of people arrested, who remain in detention. Recently five people demonstrating in support of Muslim leader El Zak-Zaky were reportedly shot dead by police in Kaduna.
Several decrees restricting the right to organize remain in force.
Such restrictions must be lifted for the transition program to be credible. We thank you for your attention.