Liberian President Sirleaf pays tribute to late President Yar'Adua

Following the death on Wednesday evening of former President Umaru Yar'Ardua, messages of condolences from various leaders have been arriving in Nigeria.

President Barack Obama of the US expressed his sadness and praise for a man who he said had a passionate belief in his nation's future.

Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirlieaf said that she admired his calm leadership particularly as head of the West African grouping Ecowas.

She described Mr Yar'Ardua as a man "dedicated to the principles of democracy" with "a firm resolution to the rule of law".