NEW GOVERNOR FOR NIGERIA'S BAYELSA STATE

Goodluck for Nigeria's oil state.

Mr Alamieyeseigha says his prosecution is political. Jonathan Goodluck has been sworn in as the new governor for Nigeria's oil-rich Bayelsa state after the previous governor was impeached last week. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was arrested after his impeachment and could be sent back to the UK to face charges of money-laundering up to £1.8m ($3.2m).

Mr Goodluck was the deputy governor and is to stay in office until 2007 polls. He promised to reduce poverty in what is one of Nigeria's most deprived areas, despite its oil wealth. ThisDay newspaper reports that security was tight for the swearing-in ceremony. "I enjoined my fellow Bayelsans, and indeed all people of the south, not to be dampened by the sad events of the recent past," Mr Goodluck said in his inaugural speech. "On the contrary, I urge old and young to use this incident to reposition the state for a better future. "

Mr Alamieyeseigha skipped bail in the UK to return home to Bayelsa, hoping to benefit from the immunity from prosecution enjoyed by governors. But he was widely condemned. President Olusegun Obasanjo said he had brought "shame" on Nigeria.