Nigeria: President-Elect Olusegun Obasanjo Says He Will Reconcile Nigeria's Diverse People

Record ID: 4053

  • Title: Nigeria: President-Elect Olusegun Obasanjo Says He Will Reconcile Nigeria's Diverse People
  • Date: 2nd March 1999
  • Summary: Nigerian president-elect Olusegun Obasanjo has said in his first post-victory speech that he would reconcile Nigeria's diverse people and remove obstacles to local and foreign investment. "I understand the clear message of the Nigerian people," Obasanjo told a crowded news conference in the capital Abuja on March 2. "In giving me their mandate they have asked me to lead this country by example. They want me to restore the dignity of our country. " He reiterated his determination to fight the endemic corruption that has scared away foreign business from a nation of immense natural resources". Obasanjo is due to take power on May 29 to end 15 years of military rule that has crippled Africa's most populous nation, ruined its oil-rich economy and made it an international pariah. Obasanjo, a former military ruler who handed over to the last elected president 20 years ago, won the election on Saturday. His defeated rival, former finance minister Olu Falae rejected the result and said he would challenge it in court. Obasanjo urged Falae, who served under him in the 1970s, to accept defeat and join him in reviving Nigeria. At his Abuja news conference, Obasanjo promised to eliminate obstacles to local and foreign private investment. Badly needed foreign financing and debt relief at a time of low world oil prices is dependent on Nigeria continuing economic reforms which led to a monitoring agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January. Aides said his priority was selecting a top-grade team to help realise his pledge to halt Nigeria's economic slide. They said he plans to consult his party and political associates but would take charge of selecting people for core positions. Many Nigerians have voiced fears that the rich and powerful who contributed heavily to Obasanjo's campaign could dictate the makeup of a cabinet without regard to merit.
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  • Location: NIGERIA ABUJA
  • Reuters ID: LDL0012AQARMB
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
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  • Copyright Holder: Reuters Archive
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