Nigeria has declared a week of mourning following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua. The fifty-eight-year-old Yar’Adua died Wednesday after a long battle with kidney and heart ailments. Presidential spokesperson Ima Niboro made the announcement.

Ima Niboro: “President Umaru Yar’Adua passed away tonight in the presidential villa. The acting president has received this news with shock, sadness. And the nation is in mourning, and I’m sure that the entire world mourns with us tonight. The acting president has declared seven days of mourning, during which period the Nigerian flag will fly at half-mast.”

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in to replace Yar’Adua earlier today.