The Power of Silence

A general strike empties the streets of Lagos, sending a defiant demand for democracy to the military regime

Nigerians have never given up the idea that their tumultuous but potentially powerful nation will someday have the democratic government it deserves. They may have started down that road in earnest last week when the city of Lagos, a boisterous, sprawling metropolis of more than 6 million, stood empty and silent. Businesses were shuttered, railway and bus transport brought to a standstill, the normally congested streets deserted. Thousands of police and riot-control troops out on patrol had the silent city to themselves. Citizens were staying home to protest the ruling military's refusal to hand over power to the man elected President...

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