After weeks of paralysis, Nigeria’s government can finally get on with the job of governing again following the temporary transfer of powers to the vice president.

Listen to the RNW interview with Richard Dowden:

Vice President Goodluck Jonathan chaired his first cabinet meeting as acting head of state on Wednesday after both houses of parliament agreed to make him interim leader. He is now able to sign laws and act as commander in chief.

Power vacuum
There has been a power vacuum in Nigeria for almost three months due to the absence of President Umaru Yar’ Adua, who has been in hospital in Saudi Arabia suffering a heart condition.

There has been much uncertainty about whether, in such a situation, Nigeria’s constitution allowed for a transfer of power to the vice president. Important legislation was put on hold and an amnesty programme agreed with rebels in the oil-rich Niger Delta stalled.

The delay was also compounded by regional differences between leaders. President Yar‘ Adua is from the north of the country while Vice President Jonathan is from the south.

Africa expert Richard Dowden from the Royal Africa Society told Radio Netherlands Worldwide that this latest move by parliament will bring stability.

“If you have all those elected representatives exercising this authority, this should return some stability to the system and make it clear that they’re not going to let a small clique of Yar’ Adua’s personal advisers and family or, God forbid, the army step in and take things into their own hands.” 

Big job ahead
In a broadcast to the nation, the acting president said it is time to move the country forward to tackle the challenges that it faces. He also commended the security services for their “loyalty and devotion.” Richard Dowden says Goodluck Jonathan has a big job ahead of him.

“There are some very big decisions to be taken. The government has re-organised the oil industry and there are some massive long-term contracts to be given – some really big decisions to be taken. Whether the vice president feels that he can take these or not is not clear.”

Vice President Jonathan may decide to play things safe and wait for President Yar’ Adua’s return rather than press ahead with further reforms. But with a general election due next year, there is also likely to be further political manoeuvring.