Nigerian Court Allows Jonathan to Act as President

Nigeria’s Vice President can perform all presidential functions in the continued absence of the country’s ailing leader, a Nigerian federal court ruled Wednesday.

The ruling by Federal Judge Daniel Abutu came one day after thousands of protesters demonstrated in the capital, Abuja, to compel Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume office following President Umaru Yar’Adua prolonged stay in Saudi Arabia, where he is undergoing treatment for a heart ailment

Yar' Adua was admitted to a Saudi clinic in late November 2009. He spoke publicly for the first time on Tuesday, saying he was improving and hoped to resume his duties soon.

In his absence, Jonathan has been overseeing Cabinet meetings and state functions but does not wield presidential authority.

The Nigerian government has come under intense pressure for remaining mum about the president’s absence and state of health, arousing fears of possible instability in the country. [GR]