The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, meeting at its 24th Ordinary Session from 22 - 30 October 1998 in Banjul, The Gambia:
Considering paragraph two of the preamble to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights which stipulates that “freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples”,
Recalling the firm conviction of the States Parties to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights of their duty “…to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights and freedoms, taking into account the importance traditionally attached to these rights and freedoms in Africa”;
Notes with satisfaction the positive evolution in the field of human rights, the promises and democratic advances made by the Nigerian Government since the end of June 1998;
Welcomes the release of the Ogoni prisoners and other detainees previously held in the Port Harcourt central prison and the gradual return to the country of numerous political exiles in favour of democratic transition in Nigeria;
Exhorts the Government of Nigeria to persist in its efforts the course of democracy, respect for, and protection of human rights;
Assures the Government of its total support and readiness to help it in its task of rebuilding in Nigeria a democratic society which respects human rights.
