ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s House of Representatives erupted in chaos on Wednesday during a parliamentary session to debate corruption allegations against the Speaker, Patricia Etteh.  Ettech is accused of irregularities in spending US $5 million of government money to buy 12 cars and renovate 2 official residences.  Members of Parliament traded blows and one later died of a heart attack.

Etteh was held captive on the floor of the House yesterday for several hours.  A group of those opposed to the Speaker, the Integrity Group, held her hostage insisting that they could not adjourn until she stepped down.

This issues is seen as a test for newly elected President Umaru Yar’Adua, who vowed to stamp out corruption.  Nigeria has vast oil resources, but has been torn apart by corruption, poverty, and lack of development.

For more information, please see:

International Herald Tribune – Nigeria lawmakers throw punches during corruption row – 17 October 2007

AllAfrica.com – Nigeria: Etteh Held Hostage – 17 October 2007

VOA News – Nigeria’s National Assembly Continues Debate on Controversial Contract Awards – 17 October 2007