Yar’Adua’s return: Presidency in disarray as US expresses worry

The Presidency was in disarray on Wednesday following President Umaru Yar’Adua’s unexpected return to the country earlier in the morning, with Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the ministers yet to see him.

Also, the United States on Wednesday expressed concern that the President’s return could lead to another political logjam.

So far, the Jonathan has only heard that Yar’Adua was back through the President’s aides, who briefed him on the development.

Also, rather than see Yar’Adua, the Acting President was billed to have a meeting with the First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, for undisclosed reasons, later on Wednesday evening.

In the meantime, the Acting President is awaiting a briefing with the President at a yet to be determined date.

Further indication of confusion was suggested in a statement from the President, which referred to Jonathan as Vice-President instead of Acting President.

Admitting that Yar’Adua was still recuperating, the statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi said Jonathan will “continue to oversee the affairs of state”.

A statement, by the US Under Secretary of State on African Affairs, Mr. Johnnie Carson, said the US government hoped that the President’s return to Nigeria was not an attempt by his senior advisers upset the stability of the country and “create renewed uncertainty in the democratic process.

While also expressing concerns about the president‘s health, the statement said: ”We hope that his health is sufficient to enable him to fully resume his official duty. Nigeria needs a strong, healthy, and effective leader to ensure the stability of the country and to manage Nigeria‘s many political, economic, and security challenges.”