Oghiadomhe resigned to pursue political ambition – Abati

By The Citizen

The Presidency has said contrary to  speculations that  â€Žthe Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe was sacked as a result of fraudulent activities in the Nigeria National ‎Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), that he actually resigned to pursue political ambition.


The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmedOghiadomhe’s resignation, describing the online speculation callous and unreasonably.


Abati said, the Chief of Staff only heeded President Goodluck Jonathan’s call to cabinet members and political appointees two weeks ago, that those with political ambition should resign or come to him for discussion.


The Presidential Spokesman said, “I can confirm to you that the Chief of Staff has resigned from his post as Chief of Staff and it has nothing to do with the speculation that one online portal is trying to put out.


“The President received the letter today and the letter is titled letter of resignation. ‎And it says, ‘I wish to pursue other political necessities‎ within our great party’.


Abati continuing said, “‎You will recall that about two weeks ago when the President travelled to Ethiopia, ‎ he told council members that if there was any member of the cabinet  or any major political appointee who wants to pursue some political roles, that he has been hearing some rumours that some people want to go and pursue some political roles in whatever capacity that if such people are going to be engaged heavily in political activities, that they should let him know.  â€ŽAnd 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.


“That you can confirm. It happened in the open floor of the council. And you can see 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. On any replacement, Abati said “Not yet”.