Nigeria - President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday cancelled his scheduled trip to France today for the Summit of Eight Industrialised Nations (G-8). Jonathan was billed to attend the G-8 Summit at Deauville, France, and return to Abuja on Saturday for his inauguration on Sunday. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, explained that the cancellation was due to anxiety over "air travel in Europe caused by the presence of ash clouds in the aftermath of the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland.

"Aviation authorities had indicated that there was a possibility that a resumption of the eruptions would make it impossible for President Jonathan to return to Abuja in time for his inauguration for a fresh term on Sunday," Niboro added.

George Agba

Leadership/27/05/2011