In March a number of local newspapers published allegations that nearly CFAfr8bn (US$16m) of public money earmarked for extending the National Assembly building was not accounted for. The president of the lower chamber, Guy Nzouba Ndama, has vigorously denied any wrongdoing but has not yet explained the money's whereabouts. As Mr Nzouba Ndama is ultimately responsible for the National Assembly's budget, unless the allegation is disproved his position as Assembly president is at risk. Moreover, as a PDG stalwart, his possible disgrace would reflect badly on the ruling party, which has struggled to throw off the reputation for corruption that it earned under the rule of the previous head of state, Omar Bongo Ondimba, despite the efforts of his son and successor in the presidency, Ali, to make the fight against graft a priority of his administration.