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Nigeria suspended from Commonwealth.
Recent reprehensible acts in Nigeria have led to that nation's suspension from the Commonwealth, creating a first time action in the history of the world body.
The Commonwealth suspended Nigeria as punishment for hanging nine minority rights activists and threatening its military rulers with outright expulsion unless they restored democracy.
The penalty was unprecedented in the history of the Commonwealth, a 52-strong club grouping Britain and its former colonies, and reflected deep revulsion over Nigeria's human rights record over a number of years, ministers said.
Only The Gambia, itself under military rule, dissented from the decision, which came just a day after Nigeria ignored international appeals for clemency and hanged writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight associates. The Solomon Islands, which also dissented initially, later fell into line.
Jamaica was represented at the conference by its Foreign Affairs Minister Seymour Mullings. Minister of State Ben Clare said Jamaica backed the decision and expects to work with the Commonwealth on any future decisions relating to the issue.
"Since Jamaica was part of the consensus agreement to suspend Nigeria, we hope to be part of any coordinated efforts in respect of further action," Mr. Clare said.
Other local leaders have also supported the Commonwealth's decision.
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