Democracy News
Nigerian President Yar'Adua Returns as Jonathan Named Acting President
March 4, 2010
By: Randi Zung and Paul Larson | Printer Friendly
On February 24, Voice of America reported that President Umaru Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria after a three month absence. Yar'Adua, who was reportedly receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia for a heart condition, failed to formally notify lawmakers that he planned to leave the country for an extended period of time. After Yar'Adua was absent for more than two months, Nigerian lawmakers appointed Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as new acting president. Because Yar'Adua failed to formally turn over power as stipulated in the country’s constitution, some members of the government challenged Jonathan’s appointment.
According to conditions set by the National Assembly on Jonathan’s appointment, he is supposed to give up office upon verification that Yar'Adua is medically competent. However, BBC News reports that Jonathan will remain in charge while Yar'Adua continues to recover. The spokesman for Yar'Adua, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said, “While the president completes his recuperation, Vice President Jonathan will continue to oversee the affairs of state.”
In contrast with previous reports about Yar’Adua being brain damaged (CCD article), he is reportedly walking, eating and moving about, according to an ambassador talking to Reuters. Access to Yar’Adua has been strictly limited to his ex-wife, close aids and one cousin. The secrecy of Yar’Adua’s condition has led to continued public concern for his health. Even the acting President and many officials have been denied meetings with the former President.
The Economist reports that locals believe Yar’Adua returned to Nigeria in an effort to undermine the handover of power to Jonathan. The ambiguous power distribution between Goodluck and Yar’Adua has led to calls by prominent officials to ask for Yar’Adua to either give a speech in public to demonstrate his health or resign, according to Voice of America.
Nigeria is an influential country within the sub-Saharan region and is viewed by Western countries as key player in the push to help Africa improve its governance practices. A joint statement released by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton stated, “Nigeria's stability and democracy carry great significance beyond its immediate borders.”
During the interim period without a national leader, the Nigerian economy suffered deeply and rebel groups became more threatening. Since assuming office on January 29, Jonathan has reallocated more than two billion dollars from oil profits to help support state governments, reports Voice of America. Jonathan said the country needs to work on promoting economic growth and development, and will specifically focus on “power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment, and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women.” Jonathan created a committee to curb corruption and promote good governance on March 4. The AFP reports that corruption has been a major obstacle in attracting foreign investment.
The rebel groups that control Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region are crucially important to understanding the country’s economic health. Until recently Nigeria had its oil industry crippled by attacks on its pipelines, but five months ago former President Yar'Adua helped end the conflict by offering amnesty to fighters and saboteurs. Voice of America also reported that ensuring peace in the Niger Delta will be a key factor in establishing economic security in the country. Acting President Jonathan stated, “Without peace and security, there cannot be development and progress in the nation.”
In addition to working towards economic stability, Nigerian political leaders are calling for a rejuvenation of the country’s political arena – including the introduction of electoral reforms. In 2007, the election that brought Yar’Adua to power was plagued with electoral fraud and misconduct.
The February 6 Anambra State governorship election was reported by BBC News as being plagued by voter harassment and intimidation, ballot box stealing, and vote buying, but was largely viewed as a successful election because it had low incidents of violence. Jonathan stated that the February 6 election was “an indication that the electoral reforms of the present administration were beginning to have an effect on the nation's political culture.” In an article by AllAfrica, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was lauded for their efforts to maintain transparency during the election. This past election will help the INEC refine its procedures to ensure that the 2011 general election is credible.
According to a February 19 article by Reuters, the general election may now take place ahead of schedule. Nigerian parliament is now in talks to hold the election in November 2010. James Ibori, a member of the Elders' Committee of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) told Reuters that he anticipates that electoral reforms will be passed by April, paving the way for elections to commence early.
Sources:
AFP - Committee on graft, good governance set up in Nigeria
AllAfrica - President Now Walks, Eats, Talks - Cousin - Mark Shoots Down Motion On Yar'Adua
AllAfrica - Post-Mortem of Anambra Election
BBC News - Nigeria Anambra state election 'gravely flawed'
BBC News - Yar'Adua returns but Nigeria deputy stays in charge
Economist - A sudden return
NPR - Ill Nigerian President Returns Home
Reuters - Early election could intensify Nigeria power struggle
Reuters - Nigerian acting president keeps full powers for now
Reuters - US, Europe urge Nigeria to respect constitution
Voice of America - Challenges Ahead for Nigeria's New Acting President
Economist - A sudden return
NPR - Ill Nigerian President Returns Home
Reuters - Early election could intensify Nigeria power struggle
Reuters - Nigerian acting president keeps full powers for now
Reuters - US, Europe urge Nigeria to respect constitution
Voice of America - Challenges Ahead for Nigeria's New Acting President
Voice of America - Nigerian President Returns Home
Voice of America - Prominent Nigerians Ask President Yar’Adua to Resign
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