Nigerian House to take up president’s absence

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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A leading member of the Nigerian House of Representatives says it will take up the long absence of the country’s ill president.

Ita Enang, chairman of the House’s rules and business committee, told reporters Friday that legislators would discuss the president’s long convalescence at a Saudi Arabian hospital. The House will reconvene Tuesday after its holiday break.

President Umaru Yar’Adua, who has suffered from kidney problems, left Nigeria on Nov. 23. His physician later released a statement saying Yar’Adua suffered from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Yar’Adua did not formally appoint Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to serve in his absence, leading to fears of a constitutional crisis in the West African nation.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A leading member of the Nigerian House of Representatives says it will take up the long absence of the country’s ill president.

Ita Enang, chairman of the House’s rules and business committees, told reporters Friday that legislators would discuss the president’s long convalescence at a Saudi Arabian hospital.

President Umaru Yar’Adua, who has suffered from kidney problems, left Nigeria on Nov. 23. His physician later released a statement saying Yar’Adua suffered from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Yar’Adua did not formally appoint Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to serve in his absence, leading to fears of a constitutional crisis in the West African nation.