Ex-Governor Blagojevich convicted

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Nii Okaidja III, a claimant of the Gbese stool, claims the National Security outfit secretly supported the coronation and inauguration of Nii Adama Latse II as new Ga Mantse. Nii Okaidja III claims he has a copy of a letter from National Security pointing to their complicity. He accused the National Security outfit and particularly its Coordinator of displaying obvious bias which lends credence to his suspicion of government's support for his rival for the Gbese stool Nii Ayibonte (pictured), and Nii Latse II as Ga Mantse

27 June 2011 Last updated at 15:45 ET

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been found guilty of trying to sell the US Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.

In his second trial in a US federal court in Chicago, Blagojevich was found guilty on 17 of 20 charges.

He was also found guilty on other corruption charges.

The Democrat was arrested in December 2008 and ejected from office the following month. He had already been found guilty of lying to investigators.

Personal gain

In Chicago, Blagojevich was acquitted on one count of soliciting a bribe from a toll road authority. The jury failed to reach a verdict on two other counts.

Blagojevich, 54, was elected governor of Illinois in 2002 and served until 2009, when the state legislature threw him out of office following his indictment and arrest on corruption charges.

As governor, Blagojevich was tasked under law to appoint someone to fill the US Senate seat left vacant when Mr Obama won election to the White House.

Most of the case against him stems from accusations he sought to sell the appointment in return for personal gain.

‘Golden’ opportunity

He was also convicted of trying to extort campaign donations from business executives, and of soliciting bribes from racing officials.

Blagojevich was convicted by a jury of 11 women and one man, which deliberated seven days.

Among the evidence against him prosecutors presented hours of FBI wire taps, including a recording in which Blagojevich was heard describing the Senate appointment as a “golden” opportunity.

His defence lawyers argued Blagojevich was just talk, with no corrupt intent behind it, and they noted no money was exchanged.

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Ex-Governor Blagojevich convicted