Secretary Clinton's Statement on The Passing of Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

I knew she would have something heartfelt, lovely, and positive to say. It is very sad.

The Passing of Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

May 6, 2010

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I was saddened to learn of the passing of Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and I join President Obama in offering our condolences to the President’s family and all the people of Nigeria.

President Yar’Adua was working toward building strong democratic institutions based on constitutional processes, and we know that he would want Nigeria to continue on this civilian, democratic path. We urge all Nigerians to place their faith and support firmly behind orderly, democratic, and constitutional mechanisms.

The United States applauds the timely inauguration of President Jonathan, the lawful successor, and efforts to unify the country at this delicate moment. We encourage the Nigerian Government to continue its movement toward national democratic elections in 2011 and offer our support and assistance in these efforts.

On this sad day, let me reaffirm the commitment of the United States to our continued friendship and partnership with Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Nigerian President Has Died

Well, this is sad. I think he really was trying. You might remember this picture from Mme. Secretary's visit to Nigeria in August of last year. The President of Nigeria, ill for months, has passed away. His VP, Goodluck Jonathan, has been Acting President for a few months now, but will now, I guess, become President officially. He met with President Obama not long ago.

I must include a short, mild rant since the article I am linking to comes from CNN from which I switched only 20 minutes ago, and there was not a word about this. Neither was there on the network news.

Nigerian President Yar'Adua has died
By the CNN Wire Staff

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) -- Nigeria's ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, who gave amnesty to armed militants in the troubled oil-rich Niger Delta region, died Wednesday, the country's information minister said. He was 58.

Yar'Adua had not been seen in public since November, when he went to Saudi Arabia for treatment of an inflammation of tissue around his heart. He was diagnosed with that condition, acute pericarditis, last fall after he complained of chest pain.

He returned to Nigeria in February but had remained out of sight.

Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has served as the country's acting leader since Yar'Adua fell ill.

Read the rest here>>>


Below he was addressing the U.N. General Assembly last September.

Condolences to the People of Nigeria.