Chris Anyanwu

Chris Anyanwu is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, and politician who served in the Senate and was imprisoned by Sani Abacha’s military government.

Connect

Sani Abacha: Sani Abacha was Nigeria’s military head of state from 1993 until his death in 1998. His government imprisoned Anyanwu after her reporting on a 1995 coup plot.
1993 Nigerian presidential election: Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election was won by Moshood Abiola but annulled by the military government. Its annulment intensified the political crisis in which Anyanwu reported.
Press freedom: Press freedom is the ability of media to report and comment without undue government interference. Anyanwu’s prosecution became a prominent test of this freedom in Nigeria.
Investigative journalism: Investigative journalism is reporting that uncovers information about matters of public interest through sustained inquiry. Anyanwu’s reporting on an alleged coup plot led to her prosecution.
Moshood Abiola: Moshood Abiola was a Nigerian businessman and politician whose 1993 presidential election victory was annulled. The struggle over Nigeria’s annulled election shaped the political climate in which Anyanwu worked.
1995 Nigerian coup d'état attempt: The 1995 Nigerian coup plot was a failed military conspiracy announced by Sani Abacha’s government. Authorities accused Anyanwu of involvement after she reported on the alleged plot.
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a nongovernmental organization that campaigns against human-rights abuses. The organization campaigned for Anyanwu’s release during her imprisonment.
Nigerian Senate: The Nigerian Senate is the upper chamber of the country’s National Assembly. Anyanwu served as a senator after Nigeria returned to civilian government.
Olusegun Obasanjo: Olusegun Obasanjo was a Nigerian military ruler and later a civilian president. His presidency coincided with Anyanwu’s election to the Senate.
Nigerian Third Republic: The Nigerian Third Republic was an attempted transition from military rule to civilian government in the early 1990s. Its collapse set the backdrop for the military rule under which Anyanwu was jailed.