The speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives has resigned in connection with a corruption scandal.
Patricia Etteh stepped aside Tuesday, bowing to weeks of pressure to resign. Her deputy Babangida Nguroje also resigned.
Lawmakers selected one of her opponents, Terngu Tsegba, as acting speaker.
An investigation found last month that Etteh had violated House rules in awarding contracts worth $5 million for renovation of her official residence and purchase of at least 10 cars.
Lawmakers were bitterly divided over her future. Last month one of her supporters collapsed and died after a brawl in the parliament.
Earlier today, police dispersed hundreds of anti-corruption protesters demanding her resignation.
Berlin-based Transparency International has repeatedly ranked oil-rich Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
