Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria's vice president, has assumed control of the country
After several weeks of political uncertainty over the absence of its ailing leader, Nigeria’s Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has taken office as acting head of state on Tuesday.
Earlier parliament voted to force incumbent President Umaru Yar’Adua to hand over until he is well enough to return.
Jonathan accepted the post hours after the vote, saying in a speech broadcast nationwide: “The circumstances in which I find myself assuming office today as acting president of our country are uncommon, sober and reflective.”
The parliament’s decision heightened political turmoil in Africa’s most populous country, which was without an active president for over two months.
Amid warnings of instability in a country with a history of military takeovers, Jonathan commended the security services for “their loyalty and devotion to duty during this trying period”.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this great call to duty,” he said.
Yar’Adua left Nigeria in late November for hospital treatment in Saudi Arabia. He suffers from a serious heart condition and critics say crucial government business is being left unattended.
