The Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe (Edo State) has resigned his position for political ambition.
However, it is being rumoured in certain quarters he was yesterday forced to resign his appointment based on security reports that indicted him in several contract scams in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Speaking on Monday with State House correspondents after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati denied the online reports that Oghiadomhe was sacked over corrupt practices.
Abati said: “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 portal has tried to put out.
“The President received the letter today (yesterday) which is titled: ‘letter of resignation’ and it says he wishes to pursue other political necessities in our great party.
“You would recall that about two weeks ago before the President travelled to Ethiopia, he announced 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 wanted to 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 are 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. “You can confirm that.
You can see that what I have 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 who has 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.”