WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2232/98 by Johanna MAIJ-WEGGEN to the Commission. Nigeria
Date: 1998-07-16
Institutions: European Parliament, MAIJ-WEGGEN
Subjects: European Union, European political cooperation, Nigeria, arrest, democratisation, human rights, political prisoner, rule of law

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/61

(1999/C 96/087)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2232/98

by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Nigeria

Is the Commission aware of the recent arrest of Isaac Osuoka (an activist with Environmental Rights Action) on
26 May 1998? He was arrested on the way to a conference of the African Forest Action Network; at the time of his
arrest, leaflets intended for the conference were found in the car which referred to the human rights violations in
the Niger Delta. The next day his lawyer was likewise arrested when he went to visit him! Does the Commission
realize that this is just one among many arrests of human rights activists, journalists and opposition leaders in
Nigeria?

How many political prisoners are there in Nigerian prisons? What steps will the Commission take to secure the
release of Isaac Osuoka and other activists?

General Abacha has died and General Abdulsalam Abubakar has succeeded him by undemocratic means. Will the
Commission take measures (e.g. of a diplomatic nature) against this new military government, as democracy,
freedom and the rule of law still do not prevail in Nigeria? Does the new general intend to release Moshood
Abiola and hold free elections?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

According to unconfirmed information, Mr. Osuoka was arrested but has subsequently been released.

It is difficult to assess the total number of political prisoners in Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities have recently
released a significant number of political prisoners, but it is clear that many still remain in prison.

Regarding international action to press for return to democracy and civilian rule and full respect of human rights,
the Commission acts together with the Council in the framework of the common foreign and security policy. The
Union has repeatedly called for democracy and civilian rule to be restored and the release of all political
prisoners. The Union adopted in 1995 common positions including sanctions against Nigeria on the grounds of
serious human rights violations. These sanctions have been prolonged until 1 November 1998.

The Commission has welcomed the recent release of political prisoners and the declarations by the new head of
state General Abubakar that the objective is to restore civilian rule and democracy. The Commission and the
Member States want to encourage Nigeria to pursue this policy and to take further concrete measures, such as the
release of all political prisoners and the holding of free and fair elections. The future Union policy vis-(cid:224)-vis
Nigeria will be assessed in this perspective.

The Union had repeatedly called for the immediate release of Chief Moshood Abiola. He died tragically when he
was supposed to be released.

(1999/C 96/088)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2233/98

by MaLou Lindholm (V) to the Council

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Fermented herring

From 1 July 1998, fermented herring will be covered by the same rules that apply to other fish products in the EU,
which means that it may not be kept in old wooden barrels, as has been done since the 16th century, if it is to be
sold in food shops, nor may it be handled on premises with wooden floors, such as old boathouses. These rules
will affect a one thousand year old industry and tradition in Sweden, making the situation particularly difficult for
small local producers. The EU talks of subsidiarity and not interfering in details but does the exact opposite.