Nigeria pardons Goodluck Jonathan ally, Alamieyeseigha

Nigeria's government has pardoned a key ally of President Goodluck Jonathan who was convicted of stealing millions of dollars.

Ex-Bayelsa state Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha had been pardoned because he had been "remorseful", presidential adviser Doyin Okupe said.
Opposition activists said the decision is a major blow to efforts to curb corruption in Nigeria.
He was released in 2007, two days after receiving a two-year sentence.
The decision was taken because he had already served two years in prison since his arrest.
He was first arrested in the UK in 2005 on money-laundering charges, but jumped bail.