Ailing Nigerian leader says he's improving

ABUJA, Nigeria, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Ailing Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua, out of the public eye since November, broke his silence, saying in an interview his health is improving.

Yar'Adua, 58, told the BBC in a telephone interview that aired Tuesday he hoped to make "tremendous progress" so he could resume his duties in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. He has been undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The opposition has demanded details of Yar'Adua's health amid reports he was too ill to govern. In December, doctors said Yar'Adua had acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart lining, along with his previously diagnosed kidney problems.

"At the moment I am undergoing treatment, and I'm getting better from the treatment. I hope that very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home," he told the BBC.

Three separate court cases were filed, calling for presidential power to be transferred to Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. Hundreds of people have marched in Abuja to press the demand, the BBC said.

The country's national assembly was expected to discuss the president's health Tuesday when it reconvenes after a holiday break.