Edition: U.S. / Global

Nigerian Unions Begin Strike Over Voiding of Vote

Published: August 29, 1993

Nigerian trade unions and professional associations began an open-ended nationwide strike today to protest the military Government's annulment of presidential elections held in June.

Other demands include reversing a decision this week by the authorities in effect to raise gasoline prices 10-fold, a move that has outraged motorists.

If the walkout proceeds as planned, it will be the largest since Nigeria gained independence from Britain 33 years ago. But the full effect of the strike will not be known for several days. Nigerians have a long holiday weekend ahead, and most are not due back to work until Tuesday. Still, virtually all banks, shops and government offices here were closed today. Interim Government Formed

There was no official reaction from the interim administration, which was formed on Thursday and is headed by Ernest Shonekan, a Harvard-educated businessman and the hand-picked successor of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria's military ruler.

But the new Secretary of Justice, Clement Akpamgbo, announced on Friday night that the military authorities would make any public reference to the annulled June 12 elections a criminal offense.

Many people here believe that although General Babangida formally resigned, he remains in control.

The newly appointed chiefs of the army, navy and air force, as well as the new inspector general of the police, are all longtime Babangida allies. Several took part in the 1985 coup that brought him to power. And all will be members of the new governing council that will oversee the interim administration. Divided Movements Unite

Political commentators said it is significant that the usually divided labor and human rights movements have already been able to forge a common front, at least in principle, against the military.

If they can remain united, the impact of the strike is potentially far-reaching because it involves not only blue-collar workers but also many professional associations, including those representing physicians, nurses, and bank employees. Most domestic and international flights were canceled or diverted, and military airport controllers replaced civilian airport workers.

Near Port Harcourt in Nigeria's southeast, some oil workers started the strike a day early by shutting down operations at the Bonny oil terminal, the main outlet for crude oil exports. This is the first time since the elections were annulled in June that the protests struck the southeast.

Here in Lagos, Nigeria's biggest port, several oil tankers and other cargo ships were reportedly unable to unload their freight. Effect of Strike Weighed

While oil production is vital to the economy, Western observers say that in the short term a strike may not affect the economy in terms of earnings, because the country has substantial oil reserves. But in terms of undermining confidence, the strike could make life wretched for the interim Government.

At the same time, strike organizers emphasized that their actions do not necessarily reflect support for Moshood Abiola, the wealthy publisher and industrialist who is widely believed to have won the June elections. He said on Friday that he intends to form a rival government when he returns.