Umaru Musa Yar'Adua 61 languages

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua GCFR (( listen ⓘ); 16 August 1951[1] – 5

His Excellency
May 2010) was a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua
Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He was declared the winner of the GCFR
Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn
in on 29 May 2007.

He previously served as the governor of Katsina State from 1999 to

2007;[2][3] and was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP). In 2009, Yar'Adua left for Saudi Arabia to receive treatment
for pericarditis. He returned to Nigeria on 24 February 2010, but
died on 5 May.[4][5]

Early life [ edit ]

Family [ edit ]

Yar'adua was born in Katsina

state, Nigeria.[6] His father,
Musa Yar'Adua, was a
Yar'Adua at the World Economic Forum in
Minister for Lagos in the First 2008
Republic and held the 13th President of Nigeria
chieftaincy title of Matawalle In office
(custodian of the royal 29 May 2007 – 5 May 2010
treasury) of the Katsina Vice President Goodluck Jonathan
Emirate, a title which Yar'Adua Preceded by Olusegun Obasanjo
inherited. His paternal Succeeded by Goodluck Jonathan
First Lady Turai Yar'Adua.
grandfather, Malam Umaru, Governor of Katsina
had also held the title of In office
Matawallen Katsina, while his paternal grandmother, Binta, a Fulani 29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007
from the Sullubawa clan, was a princess of the Katsina Emirate and Deputy Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi
a sister of Emir Muhammadu Dikko.[7][8] Abdullahi Garba Aminchi
Preceded by Joseph Akaagerger
Yar'Adua married Turai Yar'Adua of Katsina state in 1975;[9] they
Succeeded by Ibrahim Shema
had seven children (five daughters and two sons) and several
Personal details
grandchildren.[10] Their daughter, Zainab, is married to the former
Born 16 August 1951
Kebbi state governor, Usman Dakingari.[11] Katsina, Northern Region,
British Nigeria
Another daughter, Nafisa is married to Isa Yuguda, a former (now in Katsina State, Nigeria)
governor of Bauchi state. Her sister Maryam is married to Ibrahim Died 5 May 2010 (aged 58)
Shema, Yar'Adua's successor as Katsina state governor.[12][13] Aso Villa, Abuja, Nigeria
Yar'Adua was also married to Hauwa Umar Radda from 1992 to Political party Peoples Democratic Party
1997, and they had two children.[14] (1998–2010)
Other political People's Redemption Party
Education [ edit ] affiliations (1979–1983)

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He started his education at Rafukka Primary School in 1958, and Peoples Front of Nigeria
(1988–1989)
moved to Dutsinma Boarding Primary School in 1962. He attended
Social Democratic Party
the Government College at Keffi from 1965 until 1969. In 1971 he (1989–1998)
received a Higher School Certificate from Barewa College.[15] He
Spouses Turai Yar'Adua (m. 1975)
attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1972 to 1975, Hauwa Radda (m. 1992–1997)
where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Education and Chemistry, Relations Shehu Musa Yar'Adua
and then returned in 1978 to pursue a master's degree in Analytical (brother)
Chemistry.[15] Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua
(brother)
Children 9, including Zainab
Pre–presidency [ edit ]
Parent Musa Yar'Adua (father)
Yar'Adua's first employment was at Holy Child College in Lagos Alma mater Barewa College
(1975–76). He later served as a lecturer at the College of Arts, Ahmadu Bello University

Science, and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna state, between 1976 and Occupation Politician

1979. In 1979, he began working as a lecturer at College of Art

Science, remaining in this position until 1983, when he began working in the corporate sector.[16]

Yar'Adua worked at Sambo Farms Ltd. in Funtua, Katsina state, as its pioneer General Manager, between 1983
and 1989. He served as a board member of Katsina State Farmers' Supply Company between 1984 and 1985,
Member of the Governing Council of Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology Zaria and Katsina
Polytechnic, between 1978 and 1983, board chairman of Katsina State Investment and Property Development
Company between 1994 and 1996.[citation needed]

He also served as a director of many companies, including Habib Nigeria Bank Ltd, 1995–99; Lodigiani Nigeria
Ltd., 1987–99, Hamada Holdings, 1983–99; and Madara Ltd., Vom, Jos, 1987–99. He was Chairman of Nation
House Press Ltd., Kaduna, from 1995 to 1999.[17]

Party politics [ edit ]

During the Second Republic (1979–83), Yar'Adua was a member of the leftist People's Redemption Party, while
his father was briefly the National Vice Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria. During the transition programme
of General Ibrahim Babangida to the Third Republic, Yar'Adua was one of the foundation members of the Peoples
Front of Nigeria with other members such as Atiku Abubakar, Baba Gana Kingibe, Bola Tinubu, Sabo Bakin
Zuwo, Wada Abubakar, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Abubakar Koko and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a political
association under the leadership of his elder brother, the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. That
association later formed the Social Democratic Party. Yar'Adua was a member of the 1988 Constituent Assembly.
He was a member of the party's National Caucus and the Nigerian Social Democratic Party's (SDP) State
Secretary in Katsina. He contested for the governorship position in the 1991 election, but lost to Saidu Barda, the
candidate of the National Republican Convention and an ally of Ibrahim Babangida.[citation needed]

Governor of Katsina [ edit ]

In 1999, Yar'Adua won the Katsina state governorship election.[7] He was the first governor to publicly declare his
assets.[18] Yar'Adua's administration saw various developments in the state. Katsina became the fifth northern
Nigerian state to adopt sharia, or Islamic law.[19] Education was prioritised and several schools were built in local
areas. Yar'Adua also delivered on his promise of running an efficient public administration, with corruption
significantly hampered. In 2003, he was re-elected for a second term in office and his successor was Ibrahim
Shema.[citation needed]

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2007 presidential election [ edit ]

Further information: 2007 Nigerian presidential election

Between 16–17 December 2006, Yar'Adua was chosen as the presidential candidate of the ruling People's
Democratic Party for the April 2007 election, receiving 3,024 votes from party delegates; his closest rival, Rochas
Okorocha, received 372 votes.[20] Yar'Adua's success in the primary election was attributed to the support of
incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo;[20][21] At the time of his nomination, he was an obscure figure on the
national stage, and has been described as a "puppet" of Obasanjo, who could not have won the nomination under
fair circumstances.[21] Shortly after his nomination, Yar'Adua chose Goodluck Jonathan, governor of Bayelsa
state, as his vice-presidential candidate.[20][21] Another view regarding the support he received from President
Olusegun Obasanjo is that, he was one of few serving governors with a spotless record, devoid of any suspicions
or charges of corruption.[21] He also belonged to the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) – a powerful political
block, founded by his late brother, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, who was also Obasanjo's vice president during his
military rule.[citation needed]

In the presidential election held on 21 April 2007, Yar'Adua won 70% of the votes (24.6 million votes) according to
official results released on 23 April. The election was highly controversial. Strongly criticized by observers, as well
as the two primary opposition candidates, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Atiku
Abubakar of the Action Congress (AC), the result was largely rejected as having been rigged in Yar'Adua's
favour.[22]

Presidency [ edit ]

After the election, Yar'Adua proposed a government of national unity. In late June
2007, two opposition parties, the ANPP and the Progressive Peoples Alliance
(PPA), agreed to join Yar'Adua's government.[23]

Cabinet [ edit ]

Yar'Adua's new cabinet was sworn in on 26 July 2007.[24][25] It included 39

ministers, including two for the ANPP.[25] At the 33rd G8 summit in
Heiligendamm in 2007
(Yar'Adua at the very right)
National agenda [ edit ]

In August 2007, the administration unveiled a seven-point agenda to be the focal

point of the administration's solution to developmental challenges and stated goal
of elevating Nigeria to be among the twenty largest economies in the world by
2020:[26]

Infrastructure, power and energy

Food security
Yar'Adua and Indian prime
Wealth creation minister Manmohan Singh in
Transport October 2007

Land reforms
Security
Education

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Due to his illness and death, the administration was unable to realise the agenda.[27] The power sector was not
adequately funded, infrastructural deficit was not closed down and the troublesome process of reforming land use
regulations hampered a reform of the land tenure law.[27]

Electoral reforms [ edit ]

Yar'Adua established a presidential electoral reform committee to look into the legal factors, social and political
institutions and security issues that affects the quality and credibility of elections in the country and also, to make
recommendations on improving the credibility of elections. The reform committee was headed by Mohammed
Uwais, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Among the recommendations of the committee
was constitutional measures to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) truly independent,
removing some of the activities of INEC with the creation of an electoral commission and a parties registration
agency. It also recommended speedy resolution of legal challenges of elections, presumably before the swearing
in ceremony of the victor of the seat being challenged.[28]

Foreign Policy [ edit ]

During his tenure as president, Yar'Adua had tried to improve foreign relations
with other countries to also help with social justice and national security. While
talking with President George W. Bush, he had explained that he would help fight
corruption within Nigeria and help grow the economy. Though, this turned out not
to be so and instead he weakened foreign relations with other countries. For
instance, as more Nigerians engaged in trips abroad and consequently increased
Condoleezza Rice and
interactions with citizens of other states, issues of maltreatment of Nigerians
Yar'Adua in September 2007
abroad equally escalated in equal proportion. Thus, the period between 2007 and
2010 seemed characterised of an era when globalization heavily impacted
Nigeria's foreign relations rather negatively. What appears to give credence to this is the fact that many Nigerians,
in an attempt to utilize opportunities offered by globalization, became victims of the integration process. During the
administration, incidences against Nigerians in the course of the country's foreign relations with other states were
at a high level. It was the same across Africa, into Europe, and Asia. For instance, in May 2008, South Africans
unleashed xenophobic attacks on immigrants and many Nigerians suffered grievous loss and distress in the
process. As Omenma (2015) puts it, prior to the xenophobic attack, there were a series of systematic and hostile
campaigns of calumny against Nigeria and Nigerians including the burgling of the Nigerian embassy in that
country, the height of the attack by South Africans.[citation needed]

National Security [ edit ]

Violence in the Niger Delta [ edit ]

Under Yar'Adua, Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta became increasingly militarized and insecure. Scores of civilians
were murdered by armed gangs and security forces in 2007, and the violence further impeded the impoverished
region's development. Much of the insecurity that plagued the Delta was directly related to failures of governance
at all levels. Despite massive budget increases due to rising oil prices, federal, state, and local governments made
no effective effort to address the grinding poverty and environmental degradation that lay at the heart of political
discontent in the region. Instead, many regional political figures were directly implicated in sponsoring and arming
militia groups that carried out violent abuses. He later brought peace into the Niger Delta.[citation needed]

2009 Boko Haram Uprising [ edit ]

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In early 2009, Boko Haram launched a military campaign for Islamic rule in Nigeria. According to initial media
reports, the violence began on 26 July 2009 when Boko Haram launched an attack on a police station in Bauchi
State. Clashes between the militants and the Nigeria Police Force erupted in Kano, Yobe and Borno. Which led
Yar'Adua to order an investigation into the killing of the leader of the radical Islamist sect, which was responsible
for violence that left more than 700 people dead. Many are devastated and the war is still going on
today.[citation needed]

Illness [ edit ]

Yar'Adua left Nigeria on 23 November 2009, and was reported to be receiving treatment for pericarditis at a clinic
in Saudi Arabia. He was not seen in public again, and his absence created a power vacuum which was usurped
by a cabal.[29] On 22 January 2010, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC)
had fourteen days to decide a resolution on whether Yar'Adua was "incapable of discharging the functions of his
office". The ruling also stated that the Federal Executive Council should hear testimony of five doctors, one of
whom should be Yar'Adua's personal physician.[30]

Doctrine of necessity [ edit ]

On 9 February 2010, the Senate controversially used the "doctrine of necessity" to transfer Presidential Powers to
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and declared him Acting President, with all the accompanying powers, until
Yar'Adua returned to full health. The power transfer, considered illegal by some, was described as a "coup without
the word" by opposition lawyers and lawmakers. However, there were others who felt the power vacuum would
lead to instability and a possible military takeover.[31]

Personal life [ edit ]

Health [ edit ]

In 2007, Yar'Adua, who suffered from a kidney condition, challenged his critics to a game of squash in an
endeavor to end speculations about his health.[32] On 6 March 2007, he was flown to Germany for medical
reasons, further fomenting rumors about his health. His spokesperson said this was due to stress and quoted
Yar'Adua as saying he was fine and would soon be back to campaigning. Another report, which was rejected by
Yar'Adua's spokesperson, claims that Yar'Adua collapsed after suffering a possible heart attack.[33]

Wealth [ edit ]

On 28 June 2007, Yar'Adua publicly revealed his declaration of assets from May (becoming the first Nigerian
president to do so), according to which he had ₦856,452,892 (US$5.8 million) in assets, ₦19 million ($0.1 million)
of which belonged to his wife. He also had ₦88,793,269.77 ($0.5 million) in liabilities. This disclosure, which
fulfilled a pre-election promise he made, was intended to set an example for other Nigerian politicians and
discourage corruption.[18]

Death and aftermath [ edit ]

On 24 February 2010, Yar'Adua returned to Abuja under the cover of darkness.[34] His state of health was unclear,
but there was speculation that he was still on a life support machine.[35] Various political and religious figures in
Nigeria had visited him during his illness saying he would make a recovery. Yar'Adua died on 5 May at the Aso
Rock Presidential Villa.[36][37][38] An Islamic burial took place on 6 May in his hometown in Katsina.[39][40]

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The Federal Government of Nigeria declared a seven-day mourning period.[41] Acting President Goodluck
Jonathan said "Nigeria has lost the jewel on its crown and even the heavens mourn with our nation tonight. As
individuals and as a nation we prayed for the recovery of Mr President. But we take solace in the fact that the
Almighty is the giver and taker of all life."[42]

US President Barack Obama offered condolences, stating: "He was committed to creating lasting peace and
prosperity within Nigeria's own borders, and continuing that work will be an important part of honoring his
legacy."[38]

See also [ edit ]

Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, elder brother

Olusegun Obasanjo
Goodluck Jonathan

References [ edit ]

1. ^ Adetayo, Olalekan; Ebhuomhan, Sebastine (15 July 2008). "Confusion reigns over Yar'Adua's birthday" . The Punch
(Lagos). Punch Nigeria Limited. Archived from the original on 21 October 2008. Retrieved 17 July 2008.
2. ^ "Yar'Ádua rendered sincere service to Nigeria - Buhari" . 5 May 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
3. ^ Ogalah, Dunamis (14 May 2023). "Prof Lugga" . Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
4. ^ "Umaru Musa Yar'Adua | president of Nigeria | Britannica" . www.britannica.com. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
5. ^ "Nigerian president Umaru Yar'Adua dies after months of illness" . Telegraph UK. Reuters. Retrieved 28 January
2019.
6. ^ Abatan, Tunde; et al. (21 April 2007). "Presidency: A Fulani contest" . Daily Independent (Lagos), via odili.net.
Independent Newspapers Limited, Lagos. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020.
7. ^ ab Daily Trust, Yar'Adua Interview, 3 March 2007
8. ^ "Celebration Galore as Yaradua is Installed Mutawallen Katsina" . This Day (Lagos). 4 July 2002. Archived from the
original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
9. ^ Gabriel, Chioma (15 January 2010). "Turai Yar'Adua – a Silent But Influential First Lady" . AllAfrica.com. Vanguard
Media. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
10. ^ "Hajiya Turai: What Manner of First Lady?" . Leadership (newspaper) (Abuja), Sunday, 3 June 2007. Archived from
the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2007.
11. ^ "Yar'Adua's Daughter's Wedding Won't Affect Guber Case" . This Day (Lagos), Monday, 16 July 2007. Archived
from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 22 July 2007.
12. ^ Danjuma, Michael (25 January 2009). "Yar'Adua concludes daughter's marriage to Bauchi Gov" . This Day (Lagos),
via odili.net. African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved
12 September 2009.
13. ^ Michael, Ishola (30 January 2009). "Drums, drinks in Bauchi, Abuja As governor carts home president's daughter" .
Nigerian Tribune (Ibadan). Independent Newspapers Limited. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009.
Retrieved 12 February 2009.
14. ^ "The president is a committed father—Ex–wife" . Sunday Trust (Abuja). 22 September 2007. Archived from the
original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2007.
15. ^ ab "Biodata" . yaradua2007.com. Yar' adua. 2007. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved
3 February 2007.
16. ^ Childs, Martins (6 June 2010). "Umaru Yar'Adua: Nigerian President who struggled to tackle the country's social and
political problems" . Independent UK. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
17. ^ "THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA : HIS EXCELLENCY UMARU MUSA YAR'ADUA" . afripol.org. Retrieved 28 May
2020.

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 18. ^ a b Josephine Lohor (29 June 2007). "Nigeria: Yar'Adua – I'm Worth N850m" . This Day. Archived from the
original on 3 July 2007 – via Nigeriaworld.com.
19. ^ "Nigeria's Katsina state adopts Sharia" . BBC News. 1 August 2000. Retrieved 20 June 2007.
20. ^ a b c Tom Ashby (17 December 2006). "Reclusive Yar'Adua wins ruling party ticket" . Reuters. Retrieved
18 December 2006.
21. ^ a b c d Steve Bloomfield (17 December 2006). "Obasanjo picks 'puppet' successor in elections" . The Independent
(UK). Archived from the original on 1 October 2007.
22. ^ "Huge win for Nigeria's Yar'Adua" . BBC News. 23 April 2007.
23. ^ "Nigerian opposition parties agree to join government" . People's Daily Online. Xinhua News Agency. 29 June 2007.
24. ^ "Nigerian president names three to Cabinet energy posts, warns against graft" . International Herald Tribune.
Associated Press. 26 July 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
25. ^ a b "Nigerian President swears in 39 ministers" . African Press Agency. 26 July 2007. Retrieved 27 July
2007.[permanent dead link]
26. ^ "Yar'Adua's Seven Point + Two Special Interest issues Agenda for Nigeria" (PDF). Central Bank of Nigeria.
27. ^ ab Robert, Dr & Dode, Oghenedoro. (2019). Yar'adua 7-Point Agenda, the Mdgs and Sustainable Development in
Nigeria.
28. ^ Agbese, Dan (9 March 2018). "The Uwais report and the high cost of indifference (1)" . guardian.ng. Retrieved
10 March 2019.
29. ^ McConnell, Tristan (7 January 2010). "Prove you are alive: clamour for missing Nigerian leader to show his face" .
The Times. London.
30. ^ "Nigeria cabinet told to rule on sick President Yar'Adua" . BBC News. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
31. ^ "Nigeria's VP takes over from ailing president" . Agence France-Presse. 9 February 2010. Archived from the
original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
32. ^ "Candidate wants to squash health rumors" . Reuters. 5 January 2007. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
33. ^ Tom Ashby? (8 March 2007). "Is Lagos candidate too ill to rule" . IOL. Reuters. Retrieved 9 March 2007.
34. ^ "Yar'adua Returns To Abuja Under the Cover of Darkness" . Sahara Reporters. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
35. ^ "Where is Yar'Adua? Nigerians ask" . Radio France Internationale. 25 February 2010.
36. ^ "President Yar'Adua is dead" . News Agency of Nigeria. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.[permanent dead link]
37. ^ "Nigerian President Yar'Adua dies, reports say" . BBC News. 5 May 2010.
38. ^ a b "CNN Reports Yar'Adua's death" . CNN. 6 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
39. ^ Clayton, Jonathan (6 May 2010). "President Yar'Adua's death may spark power struggle in oil-rich Nigeria" . The
Times. London. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
40. ^ "Yar'Adua Buried Amidst Tears, Tributes …Jonathan Steps In As President" . The Tide News.
41. ^ News Agency of Nigeria. Archived 6 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine
42. ^ "Nigeria's president Yar'Adua dies" . Al Jazeera. 6 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.

External links [ edit ]

Media related to Umaru Yar'Adua at Wikimedia Commons Quotations related to Umaru Musa Yar'Adua at
Wikiquote

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua: Vision for the Future

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Categories: 1951 births 2010 deaths Presidents of Nigeria Governors of Katsina State
Nigerian Muslims Nigerian Fula people Ahmadu Bello University alumni
Social Democratic Party (Nigeria) politicians People's Redemption Party politicians
Peoples Democratic Party presidents of Nigeria People from Katsina Burials in Katsina State
Yar'Adua family Barewa College alumni Candidates in the Nigerian general election, 2007
Peoples Democratic Party state governors of Nigeria Politicians from Katsina

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