Nigeria’s new military ruler, General Abdulsalam Abubakar has lifted the ban on trade union organizing in the oil industry. Though many believe that in the same stroke of a pen the regime could reverse the decision. Activists point out that the regime still has far-stretching power to detain and arrest anyone it chooses for any reason whatsoever.

Guest:

• Frank Kokori, was Secretary General of Nigeria’s largest oil workers union. Four months ago he was abducted by the regime of the late dictator, General Sani Abacha after he organized a two-month strike to protest the annulment of the 1993 elections. Kokori was released just a few weeks ago and plans on returning to Nigeria later this month to reclaim his leadership of the oil workers union.

Related links:

• Amnesty International Kokori Profile
• Nigeria Web–news, community information
• Pacifica Nigeria Coverage

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