OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Wednesday 10.30pm
NIGERIA’S military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, left Britain on Wednesday confident that his political reform programme will soon lead to the removal of sanctions against his country by the European Union.
The union imposed limited sanctions — including travel restrictions on government officials — in 1995 after late General Sani Abacha’s regime executed author Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight Ogoni activists.
Officials of the EU are now hinting that sanctions may be lifted as early as October.
During a visit to Britain – his first to a European country since coming to power in June — Abubakar held discussions with Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday on the issues of sanctions and the country’s return to the Commonwealth.
He told a press conference that Blair was “most supportive” of his country’s efforts towards the democratic process.
The change in the union’s stance against Nigeria was highlighted by the fact that although the EU visa restrictions on Nigerian officials are still in place, Abubakar and his more than 60-member delegation were allowed to enter Britain.
The Nigerian leader is to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York before flying to France on Saturday to meet President Jacques Chirac.