Yesterday, he showed up in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, to flag off the re-election
campaigns of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Timipre Sylva,
contrary to reports in newspapers that he had abandoned the trip due to
security concerns. Sources told Saharareporters that Yar'adua will also visit
his home state of Katsina today (May 11 2008) Plans are also afoot for a press
conference with members of the Nigerian media sometime this week.
Yar'adua's brief visit to the Niger Delta region would be
his first since coming to office through the flawed April 2007 general
elections. Since returning from Germany two weeks ago, he has not stepped out
of the vicinity of the Aso Rock villa, his official residence.
Aso Rock sources spoke of his
fragile condition when he attempted to attend the May 1st 2008 Labor
Day in Abuja. Yar'adua reportedly made efforts to attend the event by
sending in an abridged program of event to the organizers, which would cut off
the traditional parade by labor groups across the country. Even though labor
leaders agreed in principle to accommodate his request to enable him
participate in the Labor Day event he called off his participation at the last
minute.
Yar'adua has done only one televised press conference since the beginning of
his controversial tenure almost a year ago. The program tagged "Mr.
President Explains" was packaged by state run Nigeria Television Authority
(NTA) and its radio counterpart, Radio Nigeria. Yar'adua had to abandon the
program halfway when he lost concentration and had shortness breath. It is not
clear if the media circus show planned for later this week will be of any
significance since his media handlers are already in touch with friendly
journalists to throw softball questions at the ailing president.
The Presidency has already imported medical equipment and German doctors
to cater to Yar'adua’s health needs to keep him functioning until his next
appointment in Germany.
