Military decrees terms for president

The winner of Saturday’s civilian presidential election in Nigeria will be limited to two four-year terms of office and will have to declare all assets before taking charge of the country, news reports said today. According to terms laid down by the head of the military government, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the election rules also include a year in prison and a US $60 fine for anybody offering or accepting bribes. The rules, in draft form and released today, say the winner must have a simple majority and at least one-quarter of the votes in 24 of the 36 states and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A new election will be called if either candidate fails to meet the stipulations, the reports said.