[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 108 (Thursday, June 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9414-S9415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ARREST OF NIGERIAN GENERAL OBASANJO

  Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, I rise this evening to express my deep 
concern about the deteriorating situation in Nigeria. And I thought it 
was important to express my concern about what was happening there that 
has been illustrated by the arrest and detention of General Obasanjo of 
Nigeria and 23 other political prisoners. Recent reports indicate the 
military dictatorship in Lagos may be trying General Obasanjo in a 
secret tribunal on unspecified charges possibly leading to capital 
sentencing.
  I join with President Clinton, Foreign Secretary Hurd of Great 
Britain, and much of the international community in strongly condemning 
the arrest and continuing detention of General Obasanjo. I have known 
General Obasanjo for a number of years and have long respected his 
intellect and leadership abilities. He is one of the few leaders in 
African history to peacefully step down from power in favor of a 
civilian democratic regime.
  Despite the unbanning of political parties, I remain deeply skeptical 
about the commitment of the Nigerian military government to a 
democratic transition. The continuing imprisonment of General Obasanjo 
and disregard for basic human rights and due process only reinforces 
the mistrust of the current regime.
  To date, I have supported the administration's policy of limited 
sanctions and diplomatic engagement in Nigeria. I believe the time is 
coming, however, where the United States, together with our European 
allies, should consider tougher and more aggressive steps to pressuring 
the Nigerian Government into political reform. I will chair a hearing 
of the Subcommittee on African Affairs of the Senate Foreign Relations 
Committee on July 20 to explore further options of U.S. policy.
  Mr. President, I have long believed that Nigeria held the key to 
development of a large portion of Africa. It has been a large and rich 
and bountiful nation. It is a country with tremendous economic and 
human potential. It is also a country with a history of deep-seated 
ethnic and religious division. For these reasons, the continuing 
intransigence of the current military leadership is particularly 
troubling. It could lead, I fear, to further political and economic 
instability and great tragedy in Nigeria.
  I firmly hope, together with all friends of Nigeria, that the 
Nigerian Government will move quickly toward 

[[Page S 9415]]
reestablishing democratic, civilian rule. Only then can Nigeria fulfill 
its true promise and stand in its rightful place as one of the great 
countries in Africa and the world.
  Mr. President, I would like to thank again the Senator from Ohio [Mr. 
Glenn] for yielding to me because certainly the debate on regulatory 
reform is a very important debate that needs the most thoughtful 
consideration. I appreciate him for yielding to me.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. GLENN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio is recognized.
  Mr. GLENN. Mr. President, I was glad to yield to the distinguished 
Senator from Kansas. I know from my days way back on the Foreign 
Relations Committee when something came up like this where there was a 
tragedy internationally and some people were suffering, no one was on 
their feet first ahead of her to bring this to the attention of the 
Senate, to bring it to the attention of the American people, and to try 
to do something about it. That is what needs to be, a response from the 
Senate in these areas. And once again, she is fulfilling that role 
here. She sees a pending tragedy, which we all do, and is speaking out 
and hoping we can avert some of that tragedy.
  I compliment the Senator on her statement.
  (The remarks of Mr. Glenn pertaining to the introduction of S. 1001 
are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')
  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed as in 
morning business for not more than 5 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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