The current state of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s health has imposed a fresh reign of precaution at the Presidency with officials paying extra attention to what they do or say.

THE pericardium is the thin layer of specialised tissue that covers the outer surfaces of the heart. This tissue helps to anchor the heart in place, prevents excessive movement of the heart in the chest when body position changes, protects the heart from infections and tumours that develop in and may spread from nearby tissues, and may help keep the heart from enlarging.

The concern is based on developments which show that the President has a life-threatening condition that incapacitates him from carrying out his official duties effectively, knowing fully well that constitutionally, the Vice President has never really been in charge whenever the President is not available.

PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’Adua who is recuperating in a hospital bed in Jedah, Saudi Arebia has expressed sadness and disappointment over the widespread rumour of his death which rocked the nation since Wednesday; just as his Personal Physician, Dr. Salisu Banye, FWACP, has confirmed that the President is suffering from “Acute Pericarditis”, (an inflammatory condition of the coverings of the heart).

DETAILS and revenue estimates for the 2010 budget inadvertently omitted in the budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday were yesterday circulated to Senators.