Nigeria’s Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan has become acting president, after weeks of political uncertainty over the absence of its ailing leader. Parliament earlier voted to recognise Mr Jonathan as acting president, after more than two months without ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Mr Yar’Adua has been recovering from a heart condition in Saudi Arabia.

His continued absence has sparked legal challenges, cabinet splits and mass street protests.

It has led to a freeze in government business and threatened progress made in combating unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Mr Jonathan said he would build on the amnesty for Niger Delta militants begun by Mr Yar’Adua. Some militants in the region have threatened to break the amnesty, citing government delays in implementing the programme.

In a televised address, Mr Jonathan asked the country to pray for Mr Yar’Adua’s recovery.