British government backs Nigerian acting president after ill, long-absent president returns

British government backs Nigerian acting president

LAGOS, Nigeria — Britain’s top diplomat in Nigeria has issued a statement backing the oil-rich nation’s acting president after the sudden return of its long absent and ailing president.

The statement Friday from British High Commissioner Bob Dewar asks Nigeria to offer “clarification on leadership” after President Umaru Yar’Adua returned from a three-month stay at a Saudi Arabian hospital. Since his Wednesday return, Nigerians remain confused over who is actually leading the country, as Vice President Goodluck Jonathan took over as acting president after a vote of the National Assembly and remains at the country’s helm.

Yar’Adua has yet to be seen since returning to the country, adding to the confusion over his health and ability to lead.