Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Anambra governor Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed suggestions that erstwhile finance commissioner Ifeajuna Onejeme resigned because of a rift with the governor.
“Onejeme cited family challenges as reasons for his decision. He had no rift with the governor,” Aburime told newsmen in Awka on Saturday.
He described the former commissioner as “a first class finance expert who worked harmoniously with the governor and brought so much value to the administration”.
The media aide said the announcement of Onejeme’s resignation during the State Executive Council on Wednesday was an emotional moment.
“In appreciation of his service, Gov. Soludo personally authored a commendation letter for the departing commissioner.
“It is incorrect and misleading to insinuate that Onejeme left because of high-handedness or rift with Gov. Soludo.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the former commissioner has been in the service of the state for about nine and half years and, according to him, this has affected him in many ways, including his dear family.
“So, for personal and family reasons, he begged to be allowed to take a break; there is no rift between him and Mr Governor who has high regard for excellent service which he epitomized,” he said.
He said Soludo had already accepted Onejeme’s resignation and appreciated him for the one year and five months he served while wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Aburime quoted Soludo as saying that he appreciated Onejeme’s personal and family circumstances that warranted the resignation.
Onejeme, who was appointed finance commissioner last year, resigned this week.
He had served in that capacity in former governor Wilson Obiano’s administration.
