In 1989 a very popular Yoruba businessman named Abiola was elected President of Nigeria. Part of his popularity was due to his role in developing Nigeria into a world power. . .in soccer! Abiola, however, never served a day as President. He was ousted from his office and imprisoned by a junta of Nigerian Army generals and colonels led by General Abacha. The American and British ambassadors objected to this undemocratic turn of events, but the Hausa generals of northern Nigeria became the ruling class of the country.
So, for about nine years General Abacha ruled Nigeria, and Mr. Abiola languished in prison. Then, suddenly, in 1998, General Abacha died. Now the British and American diplomats insisted that they have some advisory role in moving back toward democracy in Nigeria. So talks began between the various parties concerned.
Mr. Abiola was brought out prison to enter in the talks, and General Abubakar, the general who assumed command after the death of Abacha, had started some meetings about possible moves back toward a democratic, elected government.
In the middle of the talks, Mister Abiola died.
As of December 1998, General Abubakar and the Hausa generals are still running Nigeria; but in May of 1999 recent elections will bring a civilian to the post of president and it is expected that Nigeria is about to enter into a period of rebuilding the economy and infrastructure left so shattered by the years of military rule. In the links below, you will find comments by people who oppose the current regime as well as comments by representatives of the regime. Politics is, as you can see, important in Nigeria. But do not think that Nigerians only think about politics. As you read through the links below, you will find many interesting features of life in Nigeria. For example, did you know that Nigeria also has a big movie industry?
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