Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua died Wednesday night after a prolonged battle with a debilitating heart disease, officials said today. He was 58.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the nation’s acting president, was sworn in today by Nigeria’s chief justice.

Yar'Adua, who died surrounded by his wife, mother and several family members, had not been seen publicly in about six moths, according to published reports.

The former president traveled to Saudi Arabia in November for medical treatment, reportedly for an ailment known as acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the linings surrounding the heart.

The presidential spokesperson said he was buried today in his hometown of Katsina according to Islamic rites.

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement