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Statement by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. On Learning of the Death of Nigerian Gen. Sani Abacha Chicago - Reports from Nigeria this afternoon indicate that Gen. Sani Abacha has died of a massive heart attack without any evidence of foul play. Our condolences go out to his grieving family for their sudden loss. At this time of so much potential for instability in Nigeria, the United States must encourage stability and stand firm in its insistence to human rights and democratic values. The United States must insist that a military government not be given another extended grace period to implement democratic reforms. On behalf of the Nigerian people who yearn for democracy and human rights, we must encourage a free press and an open, free, and fair nonviolent election - one in which all citizens have the option to run for office. Under Mr. Abacha's regime, the parties all voted for him. Now upon his death, none of them have a candidate. Some of the most notable leaderrs - Moshood Abiola, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, labor leaders, and petroleum leaders - are in prison. They must be released and permitted to seek the Nigerian presidency. One quarter of all African is Nigerian. The nation's reach extends to all corners of the continent. If the United States stands for democracy and human rights in Nigeria, it can spread the promise of liberty to the entire African continenet. If the United States does not stand for democracy in Nigeria, it cannot stand for democracy anywhere in Africa. American purchase of Nigerian oil should be contingent on their demonstrated commitment to human rights. We must not stand idly by and be 40% of Nigeria's oil market and not insist upon a relationship consistent with our values of democracy and human rights. The US must make it clear that there will be bilateral and multilateral consequences if a new regime does not show its commitment to democracy and human rights. The pro-democracy and civil society forces in Nigeria and all of Africa deserve this relationship. The Nigerian people demand and deserve democracy now. Too many years have passed and too many lives have been lost for the Nigerian people to receive any less. We would hope that no forces would determnine the peoples' desire to breathe free. Government of, for, and by the people must rule the day in Nigeria. Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club |
