UPDATED 5.30.07
Labor unions across Nigeria went on a two-day strike in protest of the recent presidential election, which was condemned by observers as “massively rigged.”
The BBC reports that results were announced even for regions where no voting took place.
On the heels of the inauguration, which was boycotted by seven outgoing state governors and the former vice president, the government announced a windfall of more than $700 million in crude oil profits.
The funding is to be distributed to incoming federal, state and local administrations around the nation.
The new president called for an end to oil-related strife in the impoverished Niger River Delta region, where kidnappings and violence are on the rise.
In the latest such incident, militants threatened to kill seven hostage oil workers — three Americans and four British — if a prominent activist, Asari Dokubo, is not freed.
Sources:
“Nigeria strike over ‘flawed’ poll”
BBC, May 28, 2007
“Nigeria: Atiku, 7 Govs Shun Inauguration”
Vanguard (Lagos), May 30, 2007
“Nigeria: Excess Crude – New Govs to Enjoy N98bn”
This Day (Lagos), May 28, 2007
“Nigeria: Dokubo – Militants Give FG Ultimatum”
Daily Champion (Lagos), May 28, 2007
“OPINION : Obasanjo, justice and the Ijaw nation”
Vanguard (Nigeria), May 31, 2007