That this House notes that since the annulled Presidential elections held in Nigeria in June 1993 Nigeria has faced a steady deterioration in human, civil and political rights; recognises that the presumed election victor Moshood Abiola is being held without trial by the military regime headed by General Sani Abacha; further notes widespread disquiet both in Nigeria and in the international community over continued and systematic abuse of not only the democratic and judicial process but also increasing flagrant abuses of human rights; recognises that the National Constitutional Conference set up in June 1994 has in fact been used to delay a return to democracy rather than provide a clear timetable for a return to civilian rule; is concerned that sentences ranging from death sentences to life imprisonment have recently been passed on alleged coup plotters in a trial held in secret and whose charges were never revealed; condemns the Nigerian Military Government's attempt to silence British criticism of the regime's action by threatening British business interests; and calls upon the military regime to exercise clemency with respect to theabove cases and urges the institution of a fair and open judicial process and the introduction of practical steps to improve human rights and a binding timetable for the return of a civilian government.

That this House notes that since the annulled Presidential elections held in Nigeria in June 1993 Nigeria has faced a steady deterioration in human, civil and political rights; recognises that the presumed election victor Moshood Abiola is being held without trial by the military regime headed by General Sani Abacha;...