1.   An early return to civilian rule is endangered, according to politicians and foreign diplomats.

2.   Elections will be held in the course of a gradual transition from military to civilian rule.

3.   Four years later, he called elections and turned over power to civilian rule.

4.   There was to be no pause for reflection, nor - much less - for a changeover from military to civilian rule.

5.   The Council has set out a timetable for returning to civilian rule.

6.   There was to be no pause for reflection, nor -- much less -- for a changeover from military to civilian rule.

7.   Appointed in February, Hoan pressed for creation of an Ethnic Minorities Ministry, land reform, serious anti-corruption measures and free elections that would lead to civilian rule.

8.   A number of ranking officers, as well as civilian politicians, have spoken out in support of the president and civilian rule.

9.   Abacha convened the conference last year to determine the terms for a return to civilian rule.

10.   After Abiola also died unexpectedly a month later, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the current president, announced a timetable for elections and handover to civilian rule.