24 August 2000
(Page 2 of 2)
Abiola arrested - June 23, 1994
Pressure continues to have Abiola form a government. Finally he is arrested and charged with sedition. Pro-democracy demonstrations have resulted in more than 100 deaths. Abiola is jailed. Abacha is now ruling with an iron fist. Jailed opponents now include General Olusengun Obasanjo and Beko Ransome-Kuti, leader of the prodemocracy movement as well as Abiola and numerousl journalists, lawyers and other intellectuals. Nigeria has extracted over $200 billon in oil. Per capita income has not risen. It remains at $300.
Saro-Wiwa executed - November 10, 1995
Ken Saro-Wiwa is eventually hanged, shocking the international community and drawing intense condemnation from world leaders gathered at the Commonwealth Summit in Auckland, New Zealand.
Abacha dies - June 8, 1998
Abacha dies suddenly while with two prostitutes. The official cause is a heart attack. Many believe he was a victim of foul play.
Abiola dies - July 1998
After four years in detention a now ill Abiola still refuses to renounce his claim to the presidency. On July 7 a U.S. delegation meets Abiola in an Abuja guest house. After a few minutes of conversation he excuses himself saying that he is having trouble breathing. He is taken to a clinic where an hour and a half later he is pronounced dead. The official cause given is a heart attack.
Obasanjo President again - May 29, 1999
With Abacha and Abiola gone, General Abdulsalami Abubakar who has taken over the helm of Nigeria begins a transition to civilian rule. The ban on political activities is lifted, exiles are urged to return home, and political prisoners are freed. On February 19th Obasanjo wins election to the presidency.
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