Nigeria's Jonathan takes oath as president
In a file picture taken on March 26, 2011, in Abuja, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan waves to the crowd during the last presidential campaign rally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. Jonathan's inauguration on May 29 will do more than officially bring an end to a landmark election period in Nigeria. It will also highlight what is perhaps a little known feature of the country's culture: names with a story behind them. Whether in local dialect or in English, many Nigerian names hold meaning as subtle as a whack on the head. AFP PHOTO
ABUJA,
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan took the oath of office on Sunday following elections judged as the country's fairest to date though marred by deadly post-poll riots.
Jonathan, 53, was sworn in amid tight security at a colourful ceremony witnessed by more than two dozen heads of state in the capital of Africa's most populous country.
In an oath administered by chief justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, Jonathan sporting a fedora hat swore to be "faithful and bear true allegiance" to Nigeria and "discharge my duties to the best of my abilities."
The 53-year-old southern Christian beat his main opponent, an ex-military ruler from the mainly Muslim north, in the April 16 vote, but three days of rioting following the election killed more than 800 people. (AFP)
