Senate to probe Obasanjo deputy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/5384512.stm

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Nigeria's Senate has voted unanimously to investigate allegations of fraud in a fund managed by the country's vice-president, Atiku Abubakar.

Two weeks ago, President Olusegun Obasanjo released a report accusing Mr Abubakar of appropriating millions of dollars from the fund.

The fund was set up to train young recruits to Nigeria's oil industry.

Mr Abubakar denies the allegations and an aide of his was arrested a week ago after accusing Mr Obasanjo of graft.

Correspondents say the relationship between the two men - who were once allies - has deteriorated sharply since Mr Abubakar opposed President Obasanjo's unsuccessful attempt to change the constitution so he could stand for a third term in 2007.

Mr Abubakar himself plans to be a candidate in April's presidential elections.

The vice-president is seeking the nomination of the governing People's Democratic Party (PDP) but sees himself as the target of a political conspiracy to exact revenge, and to clear the path for a presidential contender more amenable to Mr Obasanjo.

Former Nigerian military ruler Gen Ibrahim Babangida is another high profile candidate intending to seek the PDP nomination - but it is unclear if Mr Obasanjo will back him.