Nigerian minister fired by military
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ABUJA (Reuter) - Nigeria's military ruler, General Sani Abacha, yesterday sacked the Justice Minister, Olu Onagoruwa, after he publicly disowned government actions which, he said, 'sweep away our liberties'.
An official statement said Mr Onagoruwa, a pro-democracy campaigner until he was recruited into the government after Gen Abacha seized power last November, was replaced with immediate effect by Michael Agbamuche, a senior lawyer.
Mr Onagoruwa threatened to resign last week, saying he was not party to new laws giving the military rulers wide powers of arrest and barring any challenge to their actions through the courts.
The decrees became public last Tuesday, the day the government crushed a strike by oil workers who were demanding the release of presidential claimant Moshood Abiola and his installation as head of state. There has been no official statement on the controversial laws, which appear to be the government's strategy for dealing with the campaign to topple Gen Abacha and install Mr Abiola.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments