ABUJA, Nigeria -- Hundreds of Nigerians concerned about the president's long hospitalization abroad protested in the capital Tuesday, after the leader said in a radio interview that he hoped to recover and return to power.
President Umaru Yar'Adua left Nigeria on Nov. 23 to seek medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. He has long been troubled by a kidney ailment, and doctors have said the 58-year-old is now suffering from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
Protesters rallied Tuesday in Abuja, where the Nigerian House of Representatives also planned to discuss Mr. Yar'Adua's long absence from power. One held a sign that asked: "Umaru, Where Are You?"
Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka acknowledged the president's radio comments at the rally, but accused corrupt government officials of embezzling millions during Mr. Yar'Adua's absence. "It doesn't matter if President Yar'Adua walks in on his own two legs today," Mr. Soyinka said.
Three separate federal lawsuits also are challenging Mr. Yar'Adua's absence, asking for the country's vice president to officially lead the country.
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