The South African Nigerian Democratic Support Group is deeply concerned about the welfare of 21 Ogoni leaders in detention in Nigeria, given the Abacha government's callous disregard for the due process of law and its brutal suppression of opposition to its rule. The support group demands the immediate release of the detainees.
The support group, at its weekly meeting this morning, resolved to call on all parties with the capacity to exert pressure on the military government of General Sani Abacha to take a firm stand on the release of the detainees.
The meeting also resolved to hold a meeting with Shell SA head, John Drake, to discuss its concerns over the role of Shell in Nigeria and to explore the role that Shell SA should be play in hastening the movement to democracy in Nigeria. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 30 November.
The meeting of the support group noted the growing voice of condemnation of the Abacha regimes by organisations and individuals within South Africa, including a memorial service held for Ken Saro-Wiwa in Johannesburg at the weekend and the formation of a Cape Town-based coalition for democracy in Nigeria. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 30 November.
The meeting of the support group noted the growing voice of condemnation of the Abacha regimes by organisations and inncluding a memorial service held for Ken Saro-Wiwa in Johannesburg at the weekend and the formation of a Cape Town-based coalition for democracy in Nigeria. The support group has been developing ties with Nigerian pro-democracy groups. Present at this morning's meeting was Mr Lazarus Tamana, President of the Ogoni Foundation and Community Association. The group has also received correspondence from Mr John Oyegun of the National Democratic Coalition of Nigeria (NADECO) supporting the stance taken by South Africa and suggesting a visit by a delegation from the NADECO. The support group welcomed the suggestion and decided to extend an invitation to NADECO.
Issued by:
SA Nigerian Democratic Support Group
Johannesburg27 November 1995