§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have altered their assessment of the political and human rights system in Nigeria since 6 July when the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Chalker of Wallasey, outlined the Government's position in a written question by Lord Judd (WA89).
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have made clear to the Nigerian authorities that General Abacha's three year timetable for a return to civilian democratic rule is too long, and the importance of a rapid resumption of political activity leading to free and fair elections. We have also made clear our deep concern about abuses of human rights. We deplore the imposition of long prison sentences on the alleged coup plotters and the death sentences on Mr. Saro-Wiwa and others following a flawed judicial process.