Muslim Politician Approved New Vice President of Nigeria

Nigerian lawmakers approved a Muslim politician as the new vice president of Africa's most populous nation Tuesday, despite the legislative session descending into screaming chaos at several points.

Photo: Muslim Politician Approved New Vice President of Nigeria

The Senate quickly confirmed Namadi Sambo by a voice vote, installing the Kaduna state governor as President Goodluck Jonathan's deputy. However, members of the House of Representatives began screaming into microphones to delay Sambo's confirmation, The Associated Press reports.

Analysts say the new vice-president will be seen as a strong contender for the 2011 presidential elections in Africa's most populous nation. However, it remains unclear whether Mr Jonathan will seek to contest the elections on behalf of the governing People's Democratic Party.

The new president is a southerner and the PDP has said its candidate will be a northerner - continuing its practice of alternating power between north and south after two four-year terms. Mr Yar'Adua, who was a northerner, died before his first term ended, BBC News informs.