ormer France international and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has confirmed his intention to return to football as coach of Ghana.
The 39-year-old said he would be interested in taking up the post once current manager Claude LeRoy has finished his "great job".
The defender, who was born in Ghana before moving to France as a child, retired from playing in 2006.
He ruled himself out of the Black Stars job when it went to LeRoy last year but next time he will be keen to apply.
"My time will come," said Desailly, who helped France win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.
"Ghana has a good generation of players. We have Claude LeRoy, who is doing a great job.
"Me, I'm still young. I feel like I need to cross the world. I'm an ambassador of Unicef.
"I work with the orphanage. For the moment I need to dedicate myself on the ground to the kids.
"In the future, I will come back into coaching. My target for sure (is Ghana). After LeRoy, my time will come."
Desailly enjoyed a successful career at club level as well as with France, winning the European Cup with Olympique Marseille in 1993.
He enjoyed long spells with AC Milan and Chelsea before closing out his career in Qatar.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Ugandan justice 'fails on rape'
he Ugandan justice system is tacitly condoning sexual violence against women and girls in the north of the country, Amnesty International says in a report.
The vast majority of sexual abuse cases were not reported because most victims had lost hope that perpetrators would be jailed, the human rights group said.
"Violence against women is endemic throughout Uganda," a spokesman said.
The 21-year conflict in the north with Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels had exacerbated the problem, he said.
The situation remains grim, despite the recent cessation of hostilities
Amnesty's Godfrey Odongo
The LRA built a reputation for mutilating their victims and kidnapping thousands of children to serve as fighters, porters and sex slaves.
Despite last year's truce between the army and LRA, the region remains insecure and an estimated 1.5m people still remain in displacement camps.
A spokesman for Uganda's justice ministry dismissed the allegations.
'Insult to injury'
Forms of violence that Amnesty reports include rape, child sexual abuse and physical assault - perpetrated especially in camps.
Children living in a displacement camp in northern Uganda
Some 1.5m people still live in camps because of the conflict
The victims told Amnesty researchers that the abusers included government forces, law enforcement officers, official authorities, local council leaders, spouses and relatives.
"The situation remains grim, despite the recent cessation of hostilities," said Godfrey Odongo, Amnesty's researcher in Kampala.
"The horrific violence committed during the many years of conflict in northern Uganda continues to aggravate discrimination against women and girls in the area today," he said.
The report says police are often reluctant to investigate cases involving soldiers and Ugandan law does not recognise marital rape as a criminal offence.
"Adding insult to injury, the justice system operating in northern Uganda is grossly inadequate in ensuring the protection of these women and girls - almost always allowing the perpetrators to walk free," Mr Odongo said.
Police sometimes demand money to investigate cases and victims are can be asked to pay costs such as providing lunch for investigating officers or to feed the suspect in detention, the report says.
Amnesty called for immediate government action to ensure that justice was served in cases of sexual violence.
A justice ministry spokesman said the criticisms were not fair.
"It's not true that the judiciary has let down the victims of sexual abuse," Elias Kisawuzi told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
"Until recently we were adversely affected by the war situation in terms of capacity," he said.
But more magistrates and judges had been dispatched to the area since the security situation had improved, he sai
The vast majority of sexual abuse cases were not reported because most victims had lost hope that perpetrators would be jailed, the human rights group said.
"Violence against women is endemic throughout Uganda," a spokesman said.
The 21-year conflict in the north with Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels had exacerbated the problem, he said.
The situation remains grim, despite the recent cessation of hostilities
Amnesty's Godfrey Odongo
The LRA built a reputation for mutilating their victims and kidnapping thousands of children to serve as fighters, porters and sex slaves.
Despite last year's truce between the army and LRA, the region remains insecure and an estimated 1.5m people still remain in displacement camps.
A spokesman for Uganda's justice ministry dismissed the allegations.
'Insult to injury'
Forms of violence that Amnesty reports include rape, child sexual abuse and physical assault - perpetrated especially in camps.
Children living in a displacement camp in northern Uganda
Some 1.5m people still live in camps because of the conflict
The victims told Amnesty researchers that the abusers included government forces, law enforcement officers, official authorities, local council leaders, spouses and relatives.
"The situation remains grim, despite the recent cessation of hostilities," said Godfrey Odongo, Amnesty's researcher in Kampala.
"The horrific violence committed during the many years of conflict in northern Uganda continues to aggravate discrimination against women and girls in the area today," he said.
The report says police are often reluctant to investigate cases involving soldiers and Ugandan law does not recognise marital rape as a criminal offence.
"Adding insult to injury, the justice system operating in northern Uganda is grossly inadequate in ensuring the protection of these women and girls - almost always allowing the perpetrators to walk free," Mr Odongo said.
Police sometimes demand money to investigate cases and victims are can be asked to pay costs such as providing lunch for investigating officers or to feed the suspect in detention, the report says.
Amnesty called for immediate government action to ensure that justice was served in cases of sexual violence.
A justice ministry spokesman said the criticisms were not fair.
"It's not true that the judiciary has let down the victims of sexual abuse," Elias Kisawuzi told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
"Until recently we were adversely affected by the war situation in terms of capacity," he said.
But more magistrates and judges had been dispatched to the area since the security situation had improved, he sai
Villa to host Man Utd in FA Cup
Aston Villa will host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, while holders Chelsea will take on QPR.
Tottenham play Reading, Sunderland face Wigan and West Ham host Manchester City in the other all-Premier League ties.
Havant & Waterlooville, who stunned Notts County, will visit fellow non-league team Horsham or Swansea.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will go to Burnley, Liverpool must play Luton or Nottingham Forest and struggling Newcastle will not relish facing Stoke.
Villa were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford at the same stage last year and this is the fourth time in seven seasons the clubs have been paired with each other in the tournament.
It will probably be the biggest game of my club career
QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp on facing Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson's United, who lost to Chelsea in last year's final, also beat Villa in 2002 and 2004.
QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp said he was delighted with the prospect of playing west London neighbours Chelsea.
"It is without doubt the tie all the fans were looking for," he said.
"It is a great opportunity for the players at this football club to pit their wits against not only some of the best players in England, but also the world.
"It will probably be the biggest game of my club career."
606: DEBATE
Villa is our lucky ground in recent years but they have to beat us one day
CM
But Havant and Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale admitted he was disappointed not to be pitted against a Premier League club but said it would be a chance to make the fourth round.
"It's disappointing, but it's absolutely a winnable game," he said.
"No disrespect to Horsham but we would prefer Swansea, you've got to look to the next round, whether it be against Horsham or Swansea we've got a chance."
Southern League Division One Midlands side Chasetown drew 1-1 at League One Port Vale on Sunday and will entertain Championship outfit Cardiff if they win the replay.
FA Cup third round draw:
Preston v Scunthorpe
Port Vale/Chasetown v Cardiff
Colchester v Peterborough
Bolton v Sheffield United
Blackburn v Coventry
Brighton v Mansfield
Northampton/Walsall v Millwall
Charlton v West Brom
Watford v Crystal Palace
Luton/Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
Plymouth v Hull
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Tranmere v Hereford
Tottenham v Reading
Burnley v Arsenal
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Fulham v Bristol Rovers
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Horsham/Swansea v Havant & Waterlooville
Sunderland v Wigan
Oxford/Southend v Dagenham & Redbridge
Everton v Oldham
Derby v Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton v Leicester
West Ham v Manchester City
Ipswich v Portsmouth
Wolves v Cambridge
Barnsley v Blackpool
Chelsea v QPR
Stoke v Newcastle
Swindon v Burton Albion/Barnet
Norwich v Bury
Ties to be played on 5/6 January
Tottenham play Reading, Sunderland face Wigan and West Ham host Manchester City in the other all-Premier League ties.
Havant & Waterlooville, who stunned Notts County, will visit fellow non-league team Horsham or Swansea.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will go to Burnley, Liverpool must play Luton or Nottingham Forest and struggling Newcastle will not relish facing Stoke.
Villa were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford at the same stage last year and this is the fourth time in seven seasons the clubs have been paired with each other in the tournament.
It will probably be the biggest game of my club career
QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp on facing Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson's United, who lost to Chelsea in last year's final, also beat Villa in 2002 and 2004.
QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp said he was delighted with the prospect of playing west London neighbours Chelsea.
"It is without doubt the tie all the fans were looking for," he said.
"It is a great opportunity for the players at this football club to pit their wits against not only some of the best players in England, but also the world.
"It will probably be the biggest game of my club career."
606: DEBATE
Villa is our lucky ground in recent years but they have to beat us one day
CM
But Havant and Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale admitted he was disappointed not to be pitted against a Premier League club but said it would be a chance to make the fourth round.
"It's disappointing, but it's absolutely a winnable game," he said.
"No disrespect to Horsham but we would prefer Swansea, you've got to look to the next round, whether it be against Horsham or Swansea we've got a chance."
Southern League Division One Midlands side Chasetown drew 1-1 at League One Port Vale on Sunday and will entertain Championship outfit Cardiff if they win the replay.
FA Cup third round draw:
Preston v Scunthorpe
Port Vale/Chasetown v Cardiff
Colchester v Peterborough
Bolton v Sheffield United
Blackburn v Coventry
Brighton v Mansfield
Northampton/Walsall v Millwall
Charlton v West Brom
Watford v Crystal Palace
Luton/Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
Plymouth v Hull
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Tranmere v Hereford
Tottenham v Reading
Burnley v Arsenal
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Fulham v Bristol Rovers
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Horsham/Swansea v Havant & Waterlooville
Sunderland v Wigan
Oxford/Southend v Dagenham & Redbridge
Everton v Oldham
Derby v Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton v Leicester
West Ham v Manchester City
Ipswich v Portsmouth
Wolves v Cambridge
Barnsley v Blackpool
Chelsea v QPR
Stoke v Newcastle
Swindon v Burton Albion/Barnet
Norwich v Bury
Ties to be played on 5/6 January
Big trio in tough Euro 2008 group
World Champions Italy have been drawn in the same group as France and Holland for the European Championship finals next summer in Austria and Switzerland.
The seedings were based on qualifiers over the last four years so Italy will face France in a repeat of the 2006 World Cup final in Group C's last game.
Only the top two teams from each group go through to the knock-out stages.
Switzerland will face the Czech Republic in the opening match of the tournament on 7 June in Basle.
And reigning champions Greece will play Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.
It wasn't easy to qualify and now this - I had a feeling it might happen
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni
France coach Raymond Domenech had complained of the seeding system before the draw and he will now have a tough task to get his team through to the quarter-finals.
Group C also features Romania who qualified ahead of Holland. They are one of three pairings of teams who have been drawn in the same group in the finals despite having played each other in qualifying.
Italy and France plus Sweden and Spain will also have to play each other again.
"We can't rejoice at being put together, but now the draw's been made we have to live with it, it's like that," said France coach Raymond Domenech.
606: DEBATE
The Group of Poison might be more appropriate
BBC Sport's John Sinnott
His Italian counterpart Roberto Donadoni commented: "It wasn't easy to qualify and now this. I had a feeling it might happen."
Holland boss Marco Van Basten added: "That really is a hard one. The Romanians posed us so many problems in the qualifiers, and before that we will have Italy and France, but at least we know what we are up against."
Croatia and three-times winners Germany appear to have an easier ride in Group B, with co-hosts Austria and Poland in there as company.
But Croatia coach Slaven Bilic insisted: "I can give you 20 reasons why this is the most difficult group. Here are three: Austria are playing at home, Germany are one of the best teams in the world and Poland are here for the first time which is a good motivation."
The other hosts Switzerland have to contend with Portugal and Turkey, as well as the Czechs, in Group A.
The draw was made at a ceremony in Lucerne, Switzerland which featured former European Championship winners such as Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Marco Van Basten and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Full Groups:
Group A:
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey
Group B:
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland
Group C:
Holland
Italy
Romania
France
Group D:
Greece
Sweden
Spain
Russia
Kaka named Europe's best player
AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka has been named Europe's footballer of the year after winning France Football magazine's Golden Ball award.
The 25-year-old was the key figure in AC Milan's triumphant Champions League campaign this year.
"This is very special for me - it culminates an astonishing year for me," Kaka said.
Second place went to Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo with Barcelona's Lionel Messi placing third.
606: DEBATE
Are we witnessing the rise of a true heir to the balding Frenchmen's vacant throne?
Chris W
The prize was voted for by 96 international journalists from a shortlist of 50 players.
Kaka succeeds Italy's World Cup winning captain and defender Fabio Cannavaro and comes two years after the last Brazilian winner of the trophy, Barcelona's Ronaldinho.
The Brazilian playmaker was hugely influential in Milan winning the 2007 Champions League, ending as top scorer in the tournament with 10 goals.
"It's the top prize around and the only way to win something like this is to play for a team like AC Milan," he said.
THE KAKA LOWDOWN
Born: April 22, 1982 in Brasilia
Scores 12 goals for Sao Paulo in 27 appearances in 2001
Plays 18 minutes in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph
Moves to AC Milan in 2003 spurring them to Italian title with 10 goals
Real Madrid declare interest as Kaka inspires Milan to the 2007 Champions League title
"It's great to be part of a team that wins.
"I won the Champions League and was the competition's top scorer. That's what made the difference with the others.
"That is the key. You have to play in a winning team."
In October Kaka was named FIFPro world player of the year, claiming that accolade after 45,000 members of the players' union voted in the awards.
Kaka is also the favourite to win the World Footballer of the Year award from football's governing body FIFA later this month.
Cameroonian gorillas arrive home
Four rare gorillas have been flown from South Africa to Cameroon, five years after they were illegally smuggled to Taiping Zoo in Malaysia.
The Malaysian authorities returned the four Western Lowland gorillas to South Africa in 2004 and they have since been kept at Pretoria Zoo.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare said the "Taiping Four" will now be taken to a wildlife sanctuary.
The male and three females were sedated before being put into giant crates.
The BBC's Francis Ngwa Niba says Cameroon's environment minister, along with a host of well-wishers, were at Doula International Airport to receive the gorillas.
"The return of the gorillas to Cameroon is a manifestation of Cameroon's commitment to... the conservation of nature," Elvis Ngole Ngole said.
'Message'
Tinu, Izan, Oyin and Abbey, all six years old and weighing about 100kg each, are to be transported to the Limbe Wildlife Sanctuary in south-west Cameroon.
The vet who travelled with the animals said the journey had taken 18 hours from Johannesburg, which included a six-hour stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.
Enlarge Image
"These animals are doing pretty well," he told the BBC after the crates were loaded off the Kenyan Airways aeroplane.
"The break in Nairobi gave us an opportunity to feed them and care for them, so they were adequately rested," he said.
Ifaw's Christina Pretorious said the return of the Taiping Four sends a clear message that Africa wildlife is worth fighting for and that international law must be upheld.
"Africa's wildlife is disappearing from the earth right in front of our eyes," she told the AFP news agency.
Our correspondent says another welcome ceremony is planned for the gorillas in Limbe on Saturday, when people will be able to see the gorillas for themselves.
There are believed to be fewer than 100,000 Western Lowland gorillas in the wild. Their status was recently upgraded to critically endangered.
Gorillas and other primates are often hunted to be eaten in Cameroon and neighbouring countries.
Peers 'to meet Sudan president'
Two UK Muslim peers who are in Sudan to lobby for a jailed British teacher to be released will meet the president on Monday, a presidential aide has said.
Baroness Warsi and Lord Ahmed have delayed their return to the UK and Lady Warsi said they had "made progress".
But she would not confirm the aide's announcement of a presidential meeting.
Gillian Gibbons, 54, of Liverpool, was jailed for 15 days on Thursday for insulting religion by letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad.
'Delicate times'
Baroness Warsi, a Conservative peer, travelled to Sudan with Labour's Lord Ahmed on Saturday.
You have got to remember there are other forces in Khartoum as well who feel the sentence was too lenient
Louise Ellman MP
Opinion divided in Sudan
The pair had planned to return on Monday morning, but Lady Warsi said that they would remain in the country for a third day of talks.
Presidential aide Mahzoub Faidul said President Omar al-Bashir would meet the British delegation to discuss the case on Monday morning.
Lady Warsi said that while negotiations had been "difficult", there was "a huge amount of goodwill to try and secure an early release" for the teacher.
"There are number of meetings scheduled for tomorrow (Monday), we are not prepared to say who they are with or what will be discussed," she said.
"These are very delicate times and were are trying to be as responsible and restrained as possible."
'Early resolution'
Mrs Gibbons still has "warm things" to say about Sudan, Lady Warsi said after meeting her again on Sunday.
She added: "I understand the cultural and religious sensitivities around Islam, but as a woman and a British woman I have huge concerns for Gillian and I just hope that we can carry on presenting the case for Gillian and reach an early resolution.
Protesters in Khartoum
Mrs Gibbons allowed her class to name the teddy bear Muhammad
UK Sudanese defends teacher
'Islamic guidance needed'
"This is a very important issue, a huge issue, and we must remain optimistic and hopeful that we can resolve it as early as possible."
She added: "They've presented us with hope. Enough for us to carry on having those meetings."
Mrs Gibbons's local MP Louise Ellman said: "You have got to remember there are other forces in Khartoum as well who feel the sentence was too lenient and so I think it is a matter of doing everything that is possible, doing it very carefully, keeping very focussed and just dealing with things as they arise."
Following an hour-long visit to Mrs Gibbons by the British ambassador on Sunday, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "Ms Gibbons's welfare remains our priority and we will continue to provide full consular assistance for as long as Ms Gibbons is detained.
"Government ministers and officials in London and Sudan are continuing to do everything they can to try to resolve this consular issue as quickly as possible through intense activity on a wide range of channels."
The two peers have already held meetings with Sudanese government officials, including the foreign minister, to try to resolve the situation.
Mrs Gibbons's chief defence lawyer has said he expected her to be pardoned following the peers' visit.
He told the BBC that he had advised his client not to appeal against the verdict or the sentence "for practical and not legal reasons", and she had accepted his advice.
In her first public comment since her arrest, Mrs Gibbons said she had been treated well and made a light-hearted comment that she been given so many apples that she "could set up my own stall".
However despite her apparent good spirits, she is being held in secret due to fears for her safety after crowds of protesters marched in the capital Khartoum on Friday demanding a tougher sentence. Some called for the death penalty.
Baroness Warsi and Lord Ahmed have delayed their return to the UK and Lady Warsi said they had "made progress".
But she would not confirm the aide's announcement of a presidential meeting.
Gillian Gibbons, 54, of Liverpool, was jailed for 15 days on Thursday for insulting religion by letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad.
'Delicate times'
Baroness Warsi, a Conservative peer, travelled to Sudan with Labour's Lord Ahmed on Saturday.
You have got to remember there are other forces in Khartoum as well who feel the sentence was too lenient
Louise Ellman MP
Opinion divided in Sudan
The pair had planned to return on Monday morning, but Lady Warsi said that they would remain in the country for a third day of talks.
Presidential aide Mahzoub Faidul said President Omar al-Bashir would meet the British delegation to discuss the case on Monday morning.
Lady Warsi said that while negotiations had been "difficult", there was "a huge amount of goodwill to try and secure an early release" for the teacher.
"There are number of meetings scheduled for tomorrow (Monday), we are not prepared to say who they are with or what will be discussed," she said.
"These are very delicate times and were are trying to be as responsible and restrained as possible."
'Early resolution'
Mrs Gibbons still has "warm things" to say about Sudan, Lady Warsi said after meeting her again on Sunday.
She added: "I understand the cultural and religious sensitivities around Islam, but as a woman and a British woman I have huge concerns for Gillian and I just hope that we can carry on presenting the case for Gillian and reach an early resolution.
Protesters in Khartoum
Mrs Gibbons allowed her class to name the teddy bear Muhammad
UK Sudanese defends teacher
'Islamic guidance needed'
"This is a very important issue, a huge issue, and we must remain optimistic and hopeful that we can resolve it as early as possible."
She added: "They've presented us with hope. Enough for us to carry on having those meetings."
Mrs Gibbons's local MP Louise Ellman said: "You have got to remember there are other forces in Khartoum as well who feel the sentence was too lenient and so I think it is a matter of doing everything that is possible, doing it very carefully, keeping very focussed and just dealing with things as they arise."
Following an hour-long visit to Mrs Gibbons by the British ambassador on Sunday, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "Ms Gibbons's welfare remains our priority and we will continue to provide full consular assistance for as long as Ms Gibbons is detained.
"Government ministers and officials in London and Sudan are continuing to do everything they can to try to resolve this consular issue as quickly as possible through intense activity on a wide range of channels."
The two peers have already held meetings with Sudanese government officials, including the foreign minister, to try to resolve the situation.
Mrs Gibbons's chief defence lawyer has said he expected her to be pardoned following the peers' visit.
He told the BBC that he had advised his client not to appeal against the verdict or the sentence "for practical and not legal reasons", and she had accepted his advice.
In her first public comment since her arrest, Mrs Gibbons said she had been treated well and made a light-hearted comment that she been given so many apples that she "could set up my own stall".
However despite her apparent good spirits, she is being held in secret due to fears for her safety after crowds of protesters marched in the capital Khartoum on Friday demanding a tougher sentence. Some called for the death penalty.
Nigeria 'slow' on graft inquiry
Nigeria's attorney-general is stalling efforts to recover millions of dollars looted by former Nigerian officials, sources have told the BBC.
Michael Aondoakaa has complained of procedural problems in a UK request for help in the case of a former governor, accused of diverting public funds.
James Ibori's $35m assets have been frozen by a British court and the UK wants Nigerian help in the case.
British officials insist that their request was made in the normal way.
Sources in both London and Abuja have told the BBC News website that there is widespread concern that the attorney-general's insistence that everything be done by the book is a delaying tactic.
Mr Aondoakaa was named attorney-general in July, after President Umaru Yar'Adua took office six months ago, promising to tackle corruption.
Evidence
James Ibori is one of several former Nigerian officials under investigation by British police - at Nigeria's request - for alleged money-laundering of looted public funds.
James Ibori, former Delta State governor
James Ibori is one of 30 former governors under investigation
In the Ibori case, as in previous ones, the Nigerians were asked to supply evidence that the disputed assets could not have been obtained by honest means.
This exchange of information, under the Mutual Legal Assistance agreement between the two countries, is required to satisfy a British court that the assets are the proceeds of crime and can be repatriated.
As state governor, Mr Ibori's annual salary was less than $25,000 a year, yet he was able to transfer millions of dollars to UK bank accounts with which he bought expensive properties and cars.
Image
Yet an official letter to the office of the Nigerian attorney-general (AGF) from Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) failed to result in the customary sharing of evidence.
Instead, the letter was published in the Nigerian media, while Mr Aondoakaa suggested the British had failed to use the appropriate channels.
The home secretary should send a request
Michael Aondoakaa, Nigerian Attorney General
A letter from Britain's Director of Public Prosecutions Ken MacDonald warned Mr Aondoakaa that it was not just the Ibori case being endangered by the lack of co-operation.
"The difficulty and lack of progress in obtaining hard evidence from Nigeria is causing major difficulties in relation to the court proceedings in the United Kingdom and putting these other cases in jeopardy," Mr Macdonald wrote, according to the Financial Times.
Efforts by the BBC's Abuja bureau to interview Mr Aondoakaa have proved fruitless.
In a subsequent interview with Nigeria's Leadership newspaper Mr Aondoakaa made clear that one of his concerns was that the letter requesting assistance was not signed personally by British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, but by a state lawyer.
"The law that gave me the power of Mutual Legal Assistance says the Home Secretary should send a request.
"A state counsel will send a request to me, not even his Home Secretary, and you want me to sign. No! Are you considering the bigger image of Nigeria?" he said.
Politics
British officials have declined to comment on the row - Home Office policy is such that it cannot even confirm or deny that a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been made.
Cheque for nearly £1m from the MPS to Nigeria (Met Police)
The UK aims to repatriate to Nigeria all proceeds of crime seized
However, the CPS has confirmed in a statement to the BBC News website, that of eight official requests for assistance from Nigeria, all but the Ibori case and one subsequent one involving an as yet unnamed individual, were acted upon.
In the past it appears that evidence obtained by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating 30 out of the 36 former state governors for alleged corruption, was made available to British investigators and prosecutors.
Nigerian analysts say that since the appointment of Mr Aondoakaa in July, there has been an internal battle between the office of the attorney general and the EFCC.
Further conflicts of interest have been reported with suggestions that Mr Ibori is close both to Mr Aondoakaa and to President Yar'Adua.
Michael Aondoakaa has complained of procedural problems in a UK request for help in the case of a former governor, accused of diverting public funds.
James Ibori's $35m assets have been frozen by a British court and the UK wants Nigerian help in the case.
British officials insist that their request was made in the normal way.
Sources in both London and Abuja have told the BBC News website that there is widespread concern that the attorney-general's insistence that everything be done by the book is a delaying tactic.
Mr Aondoakaa was named attorney-general in July, after President Umaru Yar'Adua took office six months ago, promising to tackle corruption.
Evidence
James Ibori is one of several former Nigerian officials under investigation by British police - at Nigeria's request - for alleged money-laundering of looted public funds.
James Ibori, former Delta State governor
James Ibori is one of 30 former governors under investigation
In the Ibori case, as in previous ones, the Nigerians were asked to supply evidence that the disputed assets could not have been obtained by honest means.
This exchange of information, under the Mutual Legal Assistance agreement between the two countries, is required to satisfy a British court that the assets are the proceeds of crime and can be repatriated.
As state governor, Mr Ibori's annual salary was less than $25,000 a year, yet he was able to transfer millions of dollars to UK bank accounts with which he bought expensive properties and cars.
Image
Yet an official letter to the office of the Nigerian attorney-general (AGF) from Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) failed to result in the customary sharing of evidence.
Instead, the letter was published in the Nigerian media, while Mr Aondoakaa suggested the British had failed to use the appropriate channels.
The home secretary should send a request
Michael Aondoakaa, Nigerian Attorney General
A letter from Britain's Director of Public Prosecutions Ken MacDonald warned Mr Aondoakaa that it was not just the Ibori case being endangered by the lack of co-operation.
"The difficulty and lack of progress in obtaining hard evidence from Nigeria is causing major difficulties in relation to the court proceedings in the United Kingdom and putting these other cases in jeopardy," Mr Macdonald wrote, according to the Financial Times.
Efforts by the BBC's Abuja bureau to interview Mr Aondoakaa have proved fruitless.
In a subsequent interview with Nigeria's Leadership newspaper Mr Aondoakaa made clear that one of his concerns was that the letter requesting assistance was not signed personally by British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, but by a state lawyer.
"The law that gave me the power of Mutual Legal Assistance says the Home Secretary should send a request.
"A state counsel will send a request to me, not even his Home Secretary, and you want me to sign. No! Are you considering the bigger image of Nigeria?" he said.
Politics
British officials have declined to comment on the row - Home Office policy is such that it cannot even confirm or deny that a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been made.
Cheque for nearly £1m from the MPS to Nigeria (Met Police)
The UK aims to repatriate to Nigeria all proceeds of crime seized
However, the CPS has confirmed in a statement to the BBC News website, that of eight official requests for assistance from Nigeria, all but the Ibori case and one subsequent one involving an as yet unnamed individual, were acted upon.
In the past it appears that evidence obtained by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating 30 out of the 36 former state governors for alleged corruption, was made available to British investigators and prosecutors.
Nigerian analysts say that since the appointment of Mr Aondoakaa in July, there has been an internal battle between the office of the attorney general and the EFCC.
Further conflicts of interest have been reported with suggestions that Mr Ibori is close both to Mr Aondoakaa and to President Yar'Adua.
Nigeria leader ends honeymoon period
Six months ago, on a sweltering parade ground in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, Umaru Yar'Adua was sworn in as the president of Africa's most populous nation - the first time one civilian leader had taken over from another.
A quiet Muslim governor from a wealthy northern Nigerian political dynasty, Mr Yar'Adua was a relative unknown until he was picked by boisterous, autocratic President Olusegun Obasanjo to be his chosen successor.
But as he was being unveiled to the public in the run-up to the election, he clearly wanted to be seen as a different kind of Nigerian leader.
"For the ruling elite in Nigeria, I am sorry to say, the conception seems to be that those in positions of authority and leadership tend to be privileged and even consider themselves above the law," he told me on the election campaign trail.
"I want a situation where if I become president, everybody knows I am in the office as a worker, to do the job."
'Interfering leaders'
He came to power in controversial circumstances: the elections won by his governing party were so marred by vote-rigging and fraud that observers, including the European Union, said they were simply not credible.
So his legitimacy was weakened from the start - and his position is still technically under threat.
His election victory is currently being challenged at a special election tribunal.
Yet the public mantra of this presidency has been the rule of law, the constitutional separation of powers, and non-interference.
Nigeria in a country used to interfering leaders.
Yet Mr Yar'Adua has let the election tribunal overturn other key results and has rescinded controversial privatisations made in the dying days of Mr Obasanjo's administration.
President Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo's style was markedly different
Perhaps one of the most dramatic illustrations of this new policy came during a multi-million dollar corruption scandal which surrounded the former speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh.
On the floor of Nigeria's house, lawmakers for and against the speaker shouted abuse at each other. There were several fist fights and even one fatal heart attack.
The house was deadlocked: it dragged on and on, not a single piece of legislation was debated for four months.
Despite appeals, the new president repeatedly refused to get involved to settle the matter - saying it was not his constitutional role.
"I think Nigerians expected Yar'Adua to intervene because they're used to President Obasanjo interfering in the legislature," says Farouk Lawan, was one of the leaders of the campaign to oust the speaker.
"But Yar'Adua gave the legislature the opportunity to sort out its own problems. It was good for the development of our democracy."
'Weak institutions'
Critics say the problem with this policy of non-interference - this hands-off approach to government and ultimate faith in the rule of law - is that it only works if institutions are capable of running affairs for themselves.
The concern is that in Nigeria, after decades of autocratic leaders, abuse and corruption, the institutions are just too weak.
So instead there is crippling indecisiveness and government slows to a snail's pace.
After decades of autocratic politics, dominated by big men, notorious for self-enrichment, it seems the idea of a servant president makes a nice change
But Jibrin Ibrahim of Nigeria's Centre for Democracy and Development believes there is no other choice.
"Nigeria was not functioning under President Obasanjo because what you had was an imperial president," he says.
"He had defined his role as president to control parliament, to control the judiciary, to control all institutions and the state governments.
"So now, I'm not saying we have started institutionalisation, but we have an opportunity to put it on the table."
Mr Yar'Adua has promised zero tolerance of corruption.
He prides himself on the image of leading a humble, simple life and is the first president to voluntarily declare his assets at the start of his time in office.
But some question why certain notorious and powerful figures in Nigeria have not been prosecuted for corruption.
They wonder whether he has the political courage or strength to get stuck in when it matters - as doing nothing sends its own kind of message.
The long-serving anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu says it is simply that the government is in a period of transition.
"We are coming from a totally different experience. And we have someone, who maybe somehow the world will require at a bit of time to understand," he told the BBC.
"So far, I am quite impressed: Yar'Adua is quiet and humble. He's a bit different, but people tend to misunderstand that a lot.
"But the most important thing is if the person is clean. And I am convinced he is."
Unresolved problems
Despite the good image, many of Nigeria's huge basic problems are still unresolved.
For much of the time, the commercial capital, Lagos, resonates to the hum of generators because there is an acute shortage of electricity, even though Mr Yar'Adua promised to declare a state of emergency on power.
Still, though, when asked how the president was doing, many on the streets of Lagos seemed willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He's just in his own world; he's not in touch with people and the problems that are going on.
Woman in Lagos
"I believe if you give him time, he will do well," one businessman said.
"And if he can improve on our light, he will become the people's president."
Standing by a potholed road outside a shopping centre, a young woman was less pleased.
"He's just in his own world; he's not in touch with people and the problems that are going on.
"We have no electricity; still no running water; the roads are still a pit. I don't understand why it takes three hours, three days, three years or whatever to fix electricity and basic necessities."
The president's honeymoon period has lasted a long time.
After decades of autocratic politics, dominated by big men, notorious for self-enrichment, it seems the idea of a servant president makes a nice change.
But ultimately the real test of this presidency is not about its image, but whether it is capable of delivering the promises of real reform.
A quiet Muslim governor from a wealthy northern Nigerian political dynasty, Mr Yar'Adua was a relative unknown until he was picked by boisterous, autocratic President Olusegun Obasanjo to be his chosen successor.
But as he was being unveiled to the public in the run-up to the election, he clearly wanted to be seen as a different kind of Nigerian leader.
"For the ruling elite in Nigeria, I am sorry to say, the conception seems to be that those in positions of authority and leadership tend to be privileged and even consider themselves above the law," he told me on the election campaign trail.
"I want a situation where if I become president, everybody knows I am in the office as a worker, to do the job."
'Interfering leaders'
He came to power in controversial circumstances: the elections won by his governing party were so marred by vote-rigging and fraud that observers, including the European Union, said they were simply not credible.
So his legitimacy was weakened from the start - and his position is still technically under threat.
His election victory is currently being challenged at a special election tribunal.
Yet the public mantra of this presidency has been the rule of law, the constitutional separation of powers, and non-interference.
Nigeria in a country used to interfering leaders.
Yet Mr Yar'Adua has let the election tribunal overturn other key results and has rescinded controversial privatisations made in the dying days of Mr Obasanjo's administration.
President Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo's style was markedly different
Perhaps one of the most dramatic illustrations of this new policy came during a multi-million dollar corruption scandal which surrounded the former speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh.
On the floor of Nigeria's house, lawmakers for and against the speaker shouted abuse at each other. There were several fist fights and even one fatal heart attack.
The house was deadlocked: it dragged on and on, not a single piece of legislation was debated for four months.
Despite appeals, the new president repeatedly refused to get involved to settle the matter - saying it was not his constitutional role.
"I think Nigerians expected Yar'Adua to intervene because they're used to President Obasanjo interfering in the legislature," says Farouk Lawan, was one of the leaders of the campaign to oust the speaker.
"But Yar'Adua gave the legislature the opportunity to sort out its own problems. It was good for the development of our democracy."
'Weak institutions'
Critics say the problem with this policy of non-interference - this hands-off approach to government and ultimate faith in the rule of law - is that it only works if institutions are capable of running affairs for themselves.
The concern is that in Nigeria, after decades of autocratic leaders, abuse and corruption, the institutions are just too weak.
So instead there is crippling indecisiveness and government slows to a snail's pace.
After decades of autocratic politics, dominated by big men, notorious for self-enrichment, it seems the idea of a servant president makes a nice change
But Jibrin Ibrahim of Nigeria's Centre for Democracy and Development believes there is no other choice.
"Nigeria was not functioning under President Obasanjo because what you had was an imperial president," he says.
"He had defined his role as president to control parliament, to control the judiciary, to control all institutions and the state governments.
"So now, I'm not saying we have started institutionalisation, but we have an opportunity to put it on the table."
Mr Yar'Adua has promised zero tolerance of corruption.
He prides himself on the image of leading a humble, simple life and is the first president to voluntarily declare his assets at the start of his time in office.
But some question why certain notorious and powerful figures in Nigeria have not been prosecuted for corruption.
They wonder whether he has the political courage or strength to get stuck in when it matters - as doing nothing sends its own kind of message.
The long-serving anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu says it is simply that the government is in a period of transition.
"We are coming from a totally different experience. And we have someone, who maybe somehow the world will require at a bit of time to understand," he told the BBC.
"So far, I am quite impressed: Yar'Adua is quiet and humble. He's a bit different, but people tend to misunderstand that a lot.
"But the most important thing is if the person is clean. And I am convinced he is."
Unresolved problems
Despite the good image, many of Nigeria's huge basic problems are still unresolved.
For much of the time, the commercial capital, Lagos, resonates to the hum of generators because there is an acute shortage of electricity, even though Mr Yar'Adua promised to declare a state of emergency on power.
Still, though, when asked how the president was doing, many on the streets of Lagos seemed willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He's just in his own world; he's not in touch with people and the problems that are going on.
Woman in Lagos
"I believe if you give him time, he will do well," one businessman said.
"And if he can improve on our light, he will become the people's president."
Standing by a potholed road outside a shopping centre, a young woman was less pleased.
"He's just in his own world; he's not in touch with people and the problems that are going on.
"We have no electricity; still no running water; the roads are still a pit. I don't understand why it takes three hours, three days, three years or whatever to fix electricity and basic necessities."
The president's honeymoon period has lasted a long time.
After decades of autocratic politics, dominated by big men, notorious for self-enrichment, it seems the idea of a servant president makes a nice change.
But ultimately the real test of this presidency is not about its image, but whether it is capable of delivering the promises of real reform.
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