Nigerians celebrate Senate's rejection of third term for Obasanjo

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2006

ABUJA (AFP) — Nigeria's opposition celebrated after parliament rejected a constitutional change that would have allowed President Olusegun Obasanjo to run for a third term in office in 2007.

Senators voted against the bill Tuesday and the lower house of parliament withdrew it from consideration Wednesday.

"The issue of third term and anything connected to it is hereby closed," the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, said at Wednesday's session.

The constitutional amendment had been opposed by some members of Obasanjo's ruling People's Democratic Party, including Vice President Atiku Abubakar, opposition parties, rights groups, and organised labour.

"The decision is one of the best things to happen to Nigeria. It confirms the...