ABUJA, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Nigeria's military ruler on Monday cleared up doubt
over the correct spelling of his name when he said he should henceforth be
known as General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Abubakar's first name, from the Arabic meaning ``Servant of Peace,'' has
variously been spelled as Abdulsalam, Abdusalam and Abdussalam since he took
office in June on the death of his predecessor Sani Abacha.

Abubakar, a 56-year-old Moslem, made the clarification at a news conference --
the first he has held since assuming office and the first occasion reporters
have had to ask his preference.

13:26 09-07-98


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