Accra (Greater Accra), 19th April 99 ?

The Nigerian President-elect General Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday that Nigerian ECOMOG troops would not be withdrawn from Sierra Leone without adequate security provisions for that country.

"Neither the head of state (General Abdulsalami Abubakar) nor myself will withdraw troops without making sure that there are sufficient and adequate security to safeguard smooth democratic governance in that country", Gen Obasanjo emphasised shortly before he enplaned for Lome, Togo, on the last leg of his global tour.

He, however, intimated that ECOMOG, which is dominated by Nigerian troops cannot remain in Sierra Leone forever, saying arrangements must be made for them to return home "sooner or later". He said the situation in Sierra Leone requires a permanent solution and not military solutions. "Military solutions are temporary solutions," he added.

The Nigerian President-elect said he has had the occasion to consult with President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who indicated that something positive would be done to bring a lasting solution to the crisis. Gen Obasanjo, who told journalists during his visit to the country last September that he was not going to contest the elections, said he rescinded his decision to satisfy the will of his countrymen. "The people of Nigeria called on me as an experienced statesman to intervene and reconstruct with reconciliation. You may say never but cannot do otherwise if the people say ever." Gen Obasanjo, who takes office next month, said he does not anticipate to face the problem of ethnicity as confronted past governments because his victory cuts across ethnic boundaries.

He said unlike most African leaders, whose support come from their tribe, he was fortunate to have enjoyed a massive support from outside his home. "The support will continue to come through performance... by showing that we are a government for all the people of Nigeria." When asked what his first hurdle would be after he takes office next month, he replied: "I will pray to God."

During the visit, Gen Obasanjo and his entourage held talks with President Jerry Rawlings and met with a nine-member delegation of the Ga Traditional Council led by Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru, La mantse. He also interacted with the Nigerian community in Accra.

Gen Obasanjo was seen-off by President Rawlings.