In a statement released a few hours ago in Abuja, aides of Nigeria's sickly leader, Umaru Yar'adua, admitted that he is suffering from “acute pericarditis,” a heart condition that results from complications of Churg-Strauss Syndrome.
The statement was written by Yar’adua’s personal physician, Salisu Banye, but distributed by chief spokesman, Segun Adeniyi.
The statement amounts to validation of Saharareporters’ disclosure a long time ago that Yar’adua is plagued by the degenerative disease. Acute pericarditis is the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart. The condition could lead to heart attack and heart failure. Mr. Yar’adua already manifests other symptoms of Churg-Strauss Syndrome, including skin scarring, renal damage and peripheral nerve damage.
In his statement, Mr. Adeniyi stated, “The medical review and tests undertaken at the hospital have confirmed the initial diagnosis that the president is indeed suffering from acute pericarditis. He is now receiving treatment for the illness and he is responding remarkably well."
Mr. Adeniyi’s statement was silent on the date of return for Mr. Yar'adua who is on admission in a Saudi hospital. Saharareporters had revealed that the ailing Nigerian leader was unconscious for four hours on Tuesday night at the hospital in Jeddah.
