A New York State of Mind

Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reporters interviews Nigerian foreign minister Ojo Madueke at the United Nations in New York City. When pressed regarding the lingering absence of President Umaru Yar'Adua from his official duties, Mr. Madueke claims that his own authority is somehow independent of the president due to the manner in which ministerial duties are assigned in the Nigerian constitution. He observes that Mr. Yar'Adua is not a "micromanager" with respect to foreign affairs, although one might question whether there is management of any sort at the present time.