ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Nigerian court is holding a hearing over three lawsuits challenging the Nigerian president’s long absence abroad.
President Umaru Yar’Adua has being undergoing medical treatment in Saudi Arabia for nearly two months for a heart condition.
The overall aim of the lawsuits being heard Thursday is to force the federal government to allow the vice president to take over.
While Nigerian law allows for a smooth transition of power from Yar’Adua to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, the 58-year-old president left without formally appointing an acting leader, as the constitution requires.
Lawmakers say they will send a delegation to Saudi Arabia to “convey a goodwill message” and discuss national issues with Yar’Adua.