Politics The Stories Surrounding the Resignation of Jonathan’s Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe

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Since the news went live that president Jonathan’s chief of staff, Mike Oghiadomhe has resigned, online media has been agog with speculations and opinions on the development.

Wrong time to break ranks

Vanguard’s release of the story says that Mike Oghiadomhe shoddily handled president Jonathan’s weekend trip to Sokoto and that that may have been the reason president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan sacked his Chief of Staff.

TV360nigeria.com adds that there are claims that “the Chief of Staff failed to inform the Governor of Sokoto State, Magatakarda Wammako of the President’s visit to Sokoto as protocol demands. Instead, he was said to have informed the Deputy Governor, Muktar Shagari who unlike the Governor refused to decamp to the opposition All Progressives Congress.”

Caught in the NNPC-CBN Financial Misappropriation Crossfire?

In the midst of this hazy political controversy, another yet emerges, which is probably the most favorably touted reason proffered for the exit of Jonathan’s chief of staff. Channels TV reports that while the presidency itself hasn’t issued a concrete statement on the matter, “online reports indicate it may be in connection with his alleged involvement in the ongoing controversy surrounding the missing funds at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).”

The news website goes on to add that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had accused the NNPC of not remitting $20 billion to the Federation’s account, an accusation the NNPC had denied. According to online news, there were reports that security operatives indicted the former chief of staff in the financial appropriation dispute between CBN and NNPC.

It has nothing to do with the speculation, Abati Says

Meanwhile, President Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, while confirming the exit of Mike Oghiadomhe as chief of staff to the president has said that all the speculations on the issue are false.

Reuben Abati came out to say that Mike Oghiadomhe resigned in a bid to seek “higher political office within the Peoples Democratic Party.”

According to Mr. Abati, Oghiadomhe’s resignation was in obedience to President Jonathan’s call to members of his cabinet. President Jonathan had earlier told members of his cabinet looking to vie for political positions to resign their appointments.

Reuben 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 (medium) has tried to put out.

“The president received the letter today which is titled letter of resignation and it says he wishes to pursue other political necessities in our great party,” Mr. Abati said.

“You would 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 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… 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”.


Mike Oghiadomhe for Edo State Governorship 2015?

It is believed that Mike Oghiadomhe, an Edo state indigene, has indicated interest in running for the governorship seat in the state.

Meanwhile, there is no word yet on his replacement as chief of staff.
 
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