Monitor:World comment on the weekend's presidential elections in Nigeria

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MANY NIGERIANS hope that Mr Obasanjo's rule will end the military's political role. This is unlikely. Mr Obasanjo, president from 1976 to 1979, is the only military ruler to leave office voluntarily. Yet he is still close to the armed forces. Reversing Delta poverty is a task that may be hindered by his links to the armed forces. To have any success in tackling Nigeria's daunting problems, Mr Obasanjo must make his government not the last stage in a military transition, but the first stage of full civilian rule.

The New York Times, US

IT IS important to commend Abubakar for driving towards his promise of a swift transition to civil democracy. This commendation is proper, given the red herring regarding the unpopularity of the decision in military circles. It is imperative that the civil populace, especially those who have now gotten themselves elected into leadership, to facilitate the permanent removal of the military from partisan politics, as we begin to pursue the business of national recovery and regeneration. This in- coming government must take off with that assignment.

Post Express, Nigeria

THE CRIPPLING corruption and crime synonymous with Nigeria will not be easy to eradicate. The marginalisation of the southern tribes by northern rule, and the economic backwardness of the north, are not issues that a President can decree away. They require committed and honest hard work by all Nigerians. There is a need to send a strong message that there will be a day of reckoning for those who turn the gun on their own. The military, after 30 years in power, must surely know that no elected government can be as incompetent as it has been in governing the nation.

The Nation, Kenya

THE ABUBAKAR transition programme has travelled far and the climax of the electoral process, the presidential election, will enable Nigeria to enter the next millennium free and democratic, with the will of the people established as supreme.

Daily Graphic, Ghana