Oghiadhome resigns as Jonathan's Chief of Staff

Chief Mike Oghiadhome, the Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan has resigned, Presidential Spokesperson Reuben Abati says on Monday.
Abati told State House correspondents that Oghiadhome tendered his resignation letter to the president on Monday.
He said that the former Chief of Staff and a former Deputy Governor of Edo State resigned to pursue his further political ambitions.
He refuted the earlier online report that Oghiadhome was sacked by the president for alleged several contract scam in the NNPC.
``Nothing extensive to say other than to confirm that the Chief of Staff has resigned his appointment.
``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 says he wishes to pursue other political necessities in our great party.
``You will recall that about two weeks ago before the president travelled to Ethiopia, he announced in the council that if there was any member of the cabinet or any major political appointee who wants to pursue some other political roles, he or she should let him know;
``The president said that 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.

``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 and completely unreasonable,’’ he said.

Abati said that Oghiadhome had contributed immensely to Jonathan's administration.

``This is a man who had served and who had 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.

``The country is very grateful to him and the president personally will like to wish him well in his future endeavours," he said.

Abati said no replacement had been made so far by the president.