In the first showdown between Nigeria’s new military leadership and promoters of democracy, hundreds of protesters braved a powerful deployment of soldiers and police last Friday to mount a demonstration at a downtown market. Security forces responded with tear gas and shots in the air. The demonstration had been planned weeks ago to commemorate Nigeria’s last multiparty elections, which were held five years ago Friday. The elections were annulled by former dictator Sani Abacha with the support of the Nigerian army, and the apparent winner, Moshood Abiola, has been imprisoned ever since.

Guest:

• Dupe Abiola, is a Nigerian activist and wife of imprisoned political prisoner Moshood Abiola