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Emergency in Nigerian State

LAGOS (Nigeria): Nigeria's civilian leader invoked sweeping state of emergency powers on Tuesday in the violence-riven central Plateau State, replacing the elected Governor with a former military general and dissolving the State legislature. The declaration allows the President, Olusegun Obasanjo's administration to rule by decree in the State where hundreds have died recently in battles pitting Christian and Muslim ethnic groups. In a state radio address, Mr. Obasanjo said he was immediately suspending Governor Joshua Dariye, his deputy and other elected State officials who he said had ``wittingly and unwittingly encouraged acts that have subverted peace and tranquillity.'' Replacing Mr. Dariye is retired Maj. Gen. Chris Ali, a State resident who served in the Nigerian army under previous junta rulers. It was the first time Mr. Obasanjo has invoked emergency powers under Nigeria's Constitution since he was first elected in 1999, ending 15 years of repressive military rule.

AP

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