Nigeria Law
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Fourth Republic1998 — 1999· Chapter 11

1999 and What It Cost

Abdulsalami's transition. Obasanjo elected. The 1999 Constitution promulgated by military decree on 5 May.

After Abacha's death, Abdulsalami Abubakar announced a 10-month transition. Elections were held in early 1999. Olusegun Obasanjo, who had himself been a prisoner of Abacha, was elected President. The 1999 Constitution was promulgated by Decree No. 24 of 1999 on 5 May, signed by Abdulsalami — a Fourth-Republic constitution birthed by military fiat. Obasanjo was sworn in on 29 May 1999. That date remained Democracy Day until Buhari moved it to 12 June in 2018.

Source: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Promulgation Decree No. 24)

Era context

The political and economic reality

The government(s), economy and national reality across the period 1998–1999.

Head of State · Military

Gen. Sani Abacha

1993–1998

National reality

Most repressive military regime in Nigerian history. Ogoni Nine hanged 10 November 1995 — Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth. Abiola died in detention 7 July 1998. Abacha died 8 June 1998. Estimated $3–5 billion looted.

Crises of the period

  • Ogoni Nine execution (1995)
  • Commonwealth suspension 1995–99
  • Kudirat Abiola assassination (1996)
  • Abiola death in detention (1998)

GDP (World Bank)

$18 bn (1994) → $33 bn (1998)

Cabinet (selected portfolios)

Full ministerial roster being compiled.

Provisional Ruling Council. Full ministerial roster being compiled.

Source: HRW Nigeria reports 1994–98; Oputa Panel Report

President · Fourth Republic

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

1999–2007· PDP

National reality

Return to civilian rule, 29 May 1999. Telecoms deregulation (2001) — GSM revolution. Paris Club exit, October 2005 ($30 bn debt relief, Okonjo-Iweala). Pension Reform 2004. EFCC established 2003.

Crises of the period

  • Third Term agenda defeated 2006
  • Niger Delta militancy intensifies
  • ASUU strikes; Sharia introduction in 12 northern states

GDP (World Bank)

$59 bn (1999) → $166 bn (2007)

Cabinet (selected portfolios)

  • Finance

    Adamu Ciroma (1999–2003); Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2003–06)

  • Education

    Tunde Adeniran; Babalola Borishade; Fabian Osuji; Chinwe Obaji; Oby Ezekwesili

  • Health

    Prof. ABC Nwosu

Source: Federal Gazette 1999–2007; CBN; World Bank WDI

Methodology

Tier 1 · primary

Courts. Gazettes. National archives.

Tier 2 · corroborating

OCCRP. HRW. BudgIT. TheCable.

Redline

Wikipedia is never a source.