Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua is dead

[malaise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8665441.stm
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Nigeria's acting President Goodluck Jonathan has been sworn in as head of state following the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua after a long illness.

Mr Jonathan, in charge since February, will appoint a deputy and serve out the rest of the current presidential term until elections due next year.

Mr Yar'Adua died late on Wednesday in the capital Abuja.

Thousands have gathered for the funeral in his home town of Katsina. Nigeria has declared seven days mourning.

Mr Jonathan took the oath of office in front of government ministers and other officials in Abuja almost 12 hours after Mr Yar'Adua died. The ceremony was performed by Chief Justice Alloysius Katsina-Alu.

sp.