Pope Asks Nigerian Regime To Release Political Prisoners

Pope John Paul II began his visit to Nigeria Saturday with the Vatican pressing the nation’s military regime to release dozens of prisoners - including prominent opposition figures and journalists.

In what had been billed as a strictly pastoral visit to beatify a priest, the pope also urged all Nigerians to respect human rights and expressed hope the country’s leader will follow through with promised elections.

Many hoped the pontiff would be able to persuade Nigerian leader Gen. Sani Abacha to show leniency, as happened in Cuba where Fidel Castro released 299 political prisoners after the pope’s January visit.

“You are all called to muster your wisdom and expertise in the difficult and urgent task in building a society that respects all its members and their dignity,” the pope said.

Abacha, who seized control of Nigeria in 1993 and jailed the apparent winner of presidential elections, stood nearby as the pope spoke.

“We back your global campaign against injustice, dictatorship and global capitalism,” Abacha said.

The pope’s second trip to Nigeria brings him to a country different from the land flush with oil revenue that he visited in 1982. Nigeria is mired in crime and tension and faces international scorn over its dismal human rights record.