Nigeria mourns its late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Nigeria has entered seven days of mourning following the death of its President Umaru Yar’Adua at the presidential villa in Abuja following a long illness.

Nigerian state television interrupted normal programming today (6 May) to announce the news: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, died a few hours ago at the presidential villa.

“Security aides notified national security advisor, General Anou Bissou, who immediately called the acting president. The late president has been ill for some time.”

Yar’Adua, 58, came to power in 2007 as a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party. Initially gaining plaudits for his open and honest approach, cynics soon changed their mind when little changed in the country which has long been burdened with corruption.

The President was taken ill in November 2009 and left for Saudi Arabia to receive treatment for pericarditis – inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. Little was heard from the President and in February 2010 the Senate transferred Presidential power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, until such time Yar’Adua returned to full health.

After declaring Thursday (6 May) a holiday as part of the seven days of mourning, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement: “Nigeria has lost the jewel on its crown and even the heavens mourn with our nation tonight.”

US President Barack Obama led the tributes from world leaders, praising the leader: “President Yar’Adua’s profound personal decency and integrity, his deep commitment to public service, and his passionate belief in the vast potential and bright future of Nigeria’s 150 million people”.

Reports are suggesting that a power struggle may now ensue as communities from the north and south of the country battle to keep their preferred choice running the country. Reportedly, under an unwritten deal to keep rival religious and geographical groups happy, the Presidency is supposed to alternate between north and south.