General Abacha promises democracy in 1998

The Nigerian military leader, General Sani Abacha, has promised that Nigeria will return to democracy in 1998 despite the discovery last weekend of an alleged coup plot.

Nigerian radio, reporting General Abacha's Christmas message, quoted him as saying the government will not be deterred from fulfilling its commitments.

He said the vigilance of the security services had thwarted an attempt to plunge Nigeria into further chaos.

The authorities have arrested twelve people, including the deputy military leader, General Oladipo Diya, but they have made virtually no details public.

A group of traditional leaders say the government has shown them audio and video tapes of the investigation into the alleged coup plot.

There is increasing speculation that General Abacha will be a candidate in Presidential elections scheduled for next year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service