A/RES/52/144 Page 2 Welcoming the positive contribution which Nigeria has recently been making through the Economic Community of West African States in support of democratic government within the West African region, and expressing the hope that this reflects a determination to pursue the same aim in its domestic policies, Noting that the Commonwealth has been concerned about the continued existence of a military government and the failure to observe fundamental human rights and has decided that Nigeria should remain suspended from the Commonwealth, 1. Welcomes: (a) The declared commitment of the Government of Nigeria to civilian rule, multi-party democracy and freedom of assembly, press and political activity by 1 October 1998, and recalling, in this regard, the declaration by the Government of 1 October 1995 which the Government recently confirmed; (b) The decision of the Commission on Human Rights to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Nigeria;5 (c) The note by the Secretary-General concerning the discharge of his good offices mandate,6 and requests him, in cooperation with the Commonwealth, to continue to undertake further discussion with the Government of Nigeria and to report on progress in the implementation of the present resolution and on the possibilities for the international community to offer practical assistance to Nigeria in achieving the restoration of democratic rule and the full enjoyment of human rights; 2. Expresses its deep concern: (a) At continuing grave violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria, including arbitrary detention, as well as failure to respect due process of law; (b) That the absence of representative government in Nigeria has led to violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms and is contrary to the popular support for democratic government as evidenced in the 1993 elections; (c) That additional persons among those detained in Nigeria are to be tried by the same flawed judicial process which led to the arbitrary execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his associates; (d) At the lack of preparatory steps by the Government of Nigeria to secure the reinstallation of a representative government following elections characterized by genuine popular participation in a multiparty context; (e) At the past refusal of the Government of Nigeria to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights and its mechanisms; 5 Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1997, Supplement No. 3 (E/1997/23), chap. II, sect. A, resolution 1997/53. 6 A/52/688. /...