Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Nigeria is experiencing increased concern about the lack of information concerning the health of President Umaru Yar'Adua, who has spent about 50 days in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Nigerian newspaper "NEXT", the Head of State is in very serious condition, having suffered serious brain damage, and is not able to govern. "NEXT" criticizes the way in which, it says, a small circle of people, led by the wife of the president, has imposed total isolation on the Head of State. Even several ministers and heads of major administrative bodies have not been able to access the President and to check on his health condition.
The newspaper said the cloak of secrecy surrounding the conditions of the President "has thrown the government into chaos." "Nobody knows what's happening," a government official told “NEXT.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Ojo Maduekwe admitted in an interview with the BBC that he had not spoken with the President in 6 weeks, but insisted that there was no lack of governing as the Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, is doing “an excellent job.”
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is one of the largest oil producers in sub-Saharan Africa. It is marked by ethnic and religious tensions, often exploited in the political struggle on a state and federal level. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/1/2010)
