Nigerian President swears anti-corruption team

The Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has sworn-in members of a new anti-corruption commission.

The commission, whose members are mainly prominent civilians, has wide-ranging powers to investigate and instigate prosecution in cases of corruption.

Some of its powers have been criticised by human rights groups, who say they are an invasion of privacy and an infringement of the legal system.

Since taking office eighteen months ago President Obasanjo has said stamping out corruption is one of the main aims of his administration.

But the BBC correspondent in Lagos says Nigerians are becoming cynical about the lack of action. He says the inauguration of this commission may signal the beginning of a more committed approach.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service