Status of Nigeria Uncertain as President Remains Absent

Nigeria's president, Umaru Yar'Adua, left his country leaderless seven weeks ago when he flew to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Originally citing a heart problem, Yar'Adua has not been heard from since, as rumors grow that he has been left brain dead and comatose. The Nigerian government denies this is, but will not confirm that he is in good health, or provide proof that he is still alive. The president has made no public statements since leaving the country, leaving many to suspect the country may soon be plunged into the chaos of a power vacuum. This is Nigeria's most serious crisis since the end of 33 years of military rule, and it is widely feared that in lack of a leader it may soon return to military control. Growing unrest in the heavily Islamic north, coupled with rebels in the south who are “losing patience” with the government in the absence of its popular leader, this could not have come at as worse time. Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's attempt to blow up a plane over Detroit on Christmas day has only further damaged the situation. Neither the president nor the vice-president have commented on this terror attack, bringing Nigeria's relationship with Washington to an all-time low. As Africa's second largest oil producer, Nigeria's increasingly uncertain political stability may have serious consequences for the United States.

Chris Bilbro