afrol News, 16 September - Nigerian presidency has denied media reports that President Umaru Yar'Adua plans to resign for health reasons, his spokesman said today.

News Agency of Nigeria said in a dispatch that leader of the oil-rich nation, who was in a Saudi hospital for treatment in August, was likely to step down after a cabinet reshuffle expected soon.

"There is nothing like that, it is absolutely rubbish," Yar'Adua's spokesman Olusegun Adeniyi told AFP, adding the report was "false and patently irresponsible".

The 57-year-old leader, known to have a chronic kidney problem, traveled to Saudi Arabia officially for a Muslim pilgrimage. But senior Nigerian officials and a medical source in Saudi Arabia said he had received treatment during the trip.

President Yar'Adua's health has been a source of constant speculation in Nigerian media and opposition politicians, among others, have voiced concern about whether he is fit enough to govern.

Information Minister John Odey denied agency reports saying they were mere fabrication.

Another government source called report a rumour which he suspected was aimed at causing confusion in West African regional powerhouse. "We are also surprised that this rumour emanated from the News Agency of Nigeria," he said.

A source further said a probe has been launched into the origins of the report for appropriate sanction. "Grave fabrication such as this will not be ignored," he added.

NAN later distanced itself from resignation story. Its deputy editor-in-chief Olusegun Aribike said "we believe that it is a mischief maker at work".

Information minister reportedly visited NAN headquarters in Abuja after dispatch was electronically mailed to some clients including most of local media.

Critics have questioned whether he is fit to run Africa's most populous nation. However officials have insisted that Mr Yar'Adua is in good health.

Meanwhile Mr Yar'Adua created a new ministry to help solve the problems of strife wracked Niger Delta, country's main oil producing region, while militants fighting for greater share of the oil revenue in the Delta have stepped up attacks on oil installations in recent days.

His victory in April 2007 polls has been challenged at Supreme Court by his two main rivals. Should he become unable to govern there could be a constitutional crisis in Africa's leading oil producer.

His health was a source of concern even before he became president over a year ago. He had to be rushed to a hospital in Germany while he was campaigning in March last year, just weeks ahead of presidential elections.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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