Picture a page in the book ‘Where’s Waldo?’ But instead of looking for a scrawny guy with a red and white striped stocking cap hiding among a crowd, search for a 59 year old Muslim Nigerian president. If you can’t find him, it’s because he left the country November 23 for heart surgery in Saudi Arabia, didn’t sign over his powers, and doesn’t know when he’ll return or be able to resume his duties.
In the absence of facts, people can only speculate. Rumors run rampant. My friend Nna says the situation is “annoying” but BBC headlines indicate something much deeper in this country that just switched from military rule to democracy in 1999. Because Nigeria is divided between Muslims and Christians, each wants their full time in office.
Today the BBC posted an audio recording of Yar’Adua, thanking people for their prayers, saying he hopes “that very soon there will be tremendous progress” to allow him to go back to Nigeria, and wishing the Super Eagles soccer team well in the Africa Cup of Nations. I think this is the first time since November that his country has heard from him. Do you suppose they’re reassured?
Please pray for peace and leadership in Nigeria.
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