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Amidst Economic Crisis, Nigerian President Takes 2 Weeks Leave
Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua is to begin a two-week leave on Monday. A government statement did not say whether Mr. Yar’Adua was taking a holiday or needed the break for health reasons. The Nigerian leader is known to have a chronic kidney problem.
Mr. Yar’Adua’s health has been a source of constant speculation in the Nigerian media and opposition politicians, among others, have voiced concern about whether he is fit enough to govern, according to report from the VOA.
An Abuja-based political analyst, Maxi Okwu, says the timing is wrong.
“Ordinarily, a president may take a leave or take a break. But the problem with the president of Nigeria taking a break at this time shows how unserious he is. The man is out of tune with the urgency of critical matters before the nation. Right now there is emergency all around the place and you want to take a two-week break. Nigeria suffers that is all. It is a disaster,” said Okwu.
Nigeria’s economy is struggling in the face of a weakening currency and falling oil revenues. The naira has dropped more than 20 percent against the U.S. dollar since early December, foreign exchange reserves have been falling and analysts expect the economy will slow more sharply than expected this year.
By Gilbert da Costa
Muti This
Omotaylor | Jan 25, 2009 | Reply
The timing can never be wrong when for health reasons which Mr President will always want to cover up, he has to travel out for treatment. What is wrong is that Mr President is not man enough to let his people know how sick he is. Well we still pray for him and hope one day he will come out of his health closet. Hope this time he has delegated responsibilties to his Vice.
Caretaker | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
There is no secret to Yar'Adua health problems. What he isn't man enough to do is quit. His epileptic mode of leadership is not doing Nigeria any good..nor his reputation. Nigeria is a tough place that needs someone on the job 24-7!
Misi_A | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
What we are failing to mention is whether this man really wanted to be president, from all indications probably not. Regardless of his health issues, it is obvious that Mr. Yar'Adua is neither qualified nor willing to be a president. The man lacks any agenda and Nigerians are yet to see the positive effective of his rule of law initiative. It is apparent that the man is clueless and was placed in power by his predecessor in his selfish desire for an indirect third term.
Chuks | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
The more reason Yaddy should vacate office. Na by force?
Omotaylor | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Agree with you Carteaker, maybe I have a tiny liking for Yaradua for allowing the Election Tribunal, For not playing yes servant to OBJ and for … actually nothing else, so 20% is not a pass mark. O ma se o, pity.
Omotaylor | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
No kuku be by force, but EGO, which sometimes can be from stupidity makes man not accept that he is not good at something. In the meantime, Nigeria and Nigerians suffer, especially at this day and age where even the Western world is groaning.
sokari | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
I cannot find a trackback link so here is the related post
Yar’Adua and the vacationing president story