In memory of Yar'Adua

Yar'Adua was struck ill in November 2009 and was subsequently hospitalised in Saudi Arabia, prompting concerns that the state should not be left rudderless. 

While the swearing-in of Goodluck Jonathan last February, until then Vice President, as Acting President was in answer to these concerns, it was also to pre-empt the military exaggerating 'the vacuum' to justify a coup. For the West African nation's armed forces have demonstrated an alacrity for military dictatorships that is yet difficult to surpass. We had hoped that President Yar'dua, who led Nigeria's return to democracy 10 years ago, would recover and complete his mandate. But since fate has intervened, we extend our condolences his family and to the people of Nigeria. We also commend the Nigerian government for moving swiftly to install Jonathan as President and appeal to the people of Africa's most populous nation to give him their support.