Nigeria: Patricia Etteh Quits Lower House

Madam Patricia Etteh, the first female Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, resigned Tuesday, following her indictment over the misappropriation of public funds in multiple contracts of N628m (US$5 million)for the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of 12 official cars.

The Representatives had exchanged blows as they fought over the case and Dr. Aminu Safana, the House Committee Chairman on Health, slumped during the pandemonium. He was rushed to National Hospital in Abuja where he died shortly after and the Speaker was accused of causing his sudden death. She ignored and dismissed calls for her resignation until Tuesday.

"Following advice from family, friends and colleagues and in the interest of democracy, I tender my resignation," She said in a press statement in Abuja.

Her deputy, Hon. Babangida Nguroje also resigned, because of his complicity in the case.

The Lower House has appointed Hon. Perngu Tsengba as the Speaker Pro Tempore.

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