Post #5- "President" Yar'Adua Finally Returns to Nigeria

Photo courtesy of Flickr

According to a February 25th article from The Economist, the ailing leader of Nigeria, Umaru Yar'Adua, has finally returned to the country after spending several months in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. His arrival comes conveniently after his former vice-president, Goodluck Jonathan, was named acting president in Yar'Adua's absence. Many feel Yar'Adua suddenly came back to Nigeria as a way of reminding Jonathan that Yar'Adua still has power. During his first two weeks as acting president, Jonathan has made interesting changes to Nigeria's government, such as shifting around the positions of cabinet members who are dedicated to Yar'Adua. In addition, Jonathan has tried to make good on his promise to fight corruption and any other obstacles in Nigeria's government and society by attempting to talk with the Niger Delta (located on the Niger River in Nigeria) militants who are often embroiled in ethnic riots as well as attacks on police and oil lines. Although Yar'Adua's spokesman said that Yar'Adua does not plan to go back to work for some time, his presence will certainly loom over Jonathan's head, as it is quite possible that Yar'Adua's health may improve to a point where he may be granted the seat of president to finish out his term.

This article shows how Nigeria's method of turning over power is still debated by their people. Although there has never really been a situation like this in Nigeria's history as most of their leaders have obtained power through military coups or other illegal means, the president's sudden return to his country after being gone for such a long time could possibly mean Yar'Adua is unhappy with his vice-president having more power now and may plan to regain power once his health permits it. In addition, religious tensions have arisen between the Muslims and the Christians over equal distribution of power. The president and vice-president practice different religions; Jonathan is Christian while Yar'Adua is Muslim. Therefore, there is considerable worry that if a Christian president is elected next year, Muslims will have lost part of their time to be in power due to Jonathan's current position as president. This flaw in the otherwise satisfactory system could not have been expected and it will be up to the Nigerian government and its people to determine how to manage it.

Grade This Post.