Nigerian president: Congrats are getting in the way

LAGOS, Nigeria — Newly elected President Umaru Yar'Adua is calling for an end to the massive delegations of well-wishers arriving in the capital to congratulate him, saying the visits are keeping him from his new duties.

Since his May 29 inauguration as leader of Africa's most-populous nation, the media have been carrying reports of citizens traveling to Abuja to greet their new leader. Under Nigerian hospitality norms, guests must be accommodated.

In a statement, the presidency called for an end to the practice Wednesday — when one governor led more than 300 chieftains, religious leaders and officials to see Yar'Adua.

"I have in the last two weeks been receiving various delegations from across the country, all coming to congratulate and felicitate with me on my recent inauguration and assumption of office," Yar'Adua said.

"While I appreciate this great outpouring of affection and the pledges of support for which I feel humbled, I must say that there is so much work to do in our country today and I will like to concentrate on the crucial task of repositioning our country for peace, sustainable development and prosperity."

A strict code of hospitality is deeply rooted in Nigeria. Unannounced guests must be fed and offered accommodation, even in the poorest of homes. Wealthy Nigerians often are besieged by poorer relatives.

Yar'Adua, the official winner in April elections that opposition and international observers say were deeply flawed, said he hoped to visit the homes of his countrymen.

"I consider it my duty and obligation to visit all the people of Nigeria where they live to thank them for electing me their president, and I hope to do so at the appropriate time," he said.