20100129
press tv

A Nigerian court dismissed a request for an interim leader to take the place of President Umaru Yar'Adua while he receives medical treatment in a Saudi Arabian hospital.

The high court also declared that Yar'Adua did not breach any constitutional laws by not forwarding a formal letter to the Parliament, addressing his "medical vacation."

"The failure to transmit a written declaration to the national assembly before proceeding on vacation is not unconstitutional," said Federal High Court Judge Dan Abutu.

Nigeria's Justice Minister Michael Aondoakaa declared that Nigeria's high court has finally "settled" the dispute over the president's fate.

The case was filed by the Nigerian Bar Association, specifically by a group known as the Eminent Elders whose members include former heads of state.

The Eminent Elders had demanded that Yar'Adua relinquish his executive powers and allow Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to formally act as president.

However, Nigeria's cabinet on Wednesday unanimously resolved that Yar'Adua is capable of carrying out his executive duties as the president.

President Yar'Adua departed for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia on November 23 and was consequently diagnosed with acute pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the heart's lining.

A month after he was hospitalized a complaint was filed in court asking him to step down and several cases have followed suit.