Presidency: Oghiadomeh resigned for political ambition

The Presidency has said  the Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomeh, resigned his appointment to pursue “other political necessities”. Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, disclosed this to State House correspondents today. He said Oghiadomeh’s resignation had nothing to do with the speculation  in the online media that he was sackedfor alleged complicity […]

The Presidency has said  the Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomeh, resigned his appointment to pursue “other political necessities”.

Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, disclosed this to State House correspondents today.

He said Oghiadomeh’s resignation had nothing to do with the speculation  in the online media that he was sacked
for alleged complicity in the $20 billion scam dotting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Abati, who described the speculation as completely callous and unreasonable, said Oghiadomeh, in his resignation letter, had indicated that he wished to pursue “other political necessities” in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The presidential spokesman, who noted that Jonathan received Oghiadomeh’s resignation letter today, recalled that the president had two weeks ago asked any of his cabinet members and other political appointees nursing political ambitions to step aside

He said the president appreciated Oghiadomeh’s contributions and acknowledged that he discharged his responsibilities diligently.

On whether there was any replacement, Abati said: “Not yet”.

“Nothing extensive to say other than to confirm that the Chief of Staff has resigned his appointment, and it has nothing to do with the speculation that one online has tried to put out. The president received the letter today which is titled “Letter of Resignation” and it (the letter) says he wishes to pursue other political necessities in our great party.

“You’d recall that about two weeks ago before the president  travelled to Ethiopia, he announced in council that if there was any member of the cabinet or any major political appointee who wants to pursue some other political roles; that he had been hearing rumours that some people maybe wanted to go and pursue other things in whatever capacity, that such people are going to be engaged heavily in political activities, they should let him know; and if they see that they’re going to be really busy, and such activities may occupy their time extraordinarily, they should please step aside or come and see him for discussion.

“That, you can confirm. It happened in the open floor of the council. And you can see what I’ve pointed out as the reason for the chief of staff’s resignation is in line with that. So, we find the speculation, particularly by some of the online platforms, callous, completely unreasonable considering that this is a man who has served and given time and energy to the pursuit of the good interest of our country. Mr president appreciates his contributions and he would like to put on record that indeed, he was a man who discharged his responsibilities diligently and the country is very grateful to him and the president personally would like to wish him well in his future endeavours”, Abati said.

Our correspondent reports that Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP earlier met with Jonathan behind a closed door today before Abati officially confirmed Oghiadomeh’s resignation.