Acting Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed his entire cabinet effective immediately. Information Minister Dora Akunyii says no reason was given for the dismissals.

Goodluck Jonathan has been acting president since 9 February because of President Umaru Yar'Adua's prolonged illness. Most of the ministers were faithful supporters of Mr Yar'Adua, who was treated in a cardiac clinic in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah for three months. He unexpectedly returned to Nigeria three weeks ago, but has not been seen in public since.

In the coming weeks, the governors of Nigeria's 36 federal states will nominate their candidates for ministerial posts.