By Okeke Udemgba
Mr Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has dismissed the insinuations that Mr Ifeatu Onejeme resigned his appointment as Commissioner for Finance for alleged rift with the governor.
Aburime who spoke with journalists in Awka on Friday said Onejeme cited family challenges as reasons for his decision.
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
He said the announcement of his resignation in the State Executive Council on Wednesday was an emotion laden one as it dividend the governor and the rest cabinet members between his continued service to the state and that keeping his family.
He said it in appreciation of his service to his government that Soludo personally authored a commendation letter for him.
"It is incorrect and misleading to insinuate that Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, the former Commissioner for Finance resigned because of high-handedness or rift with Mr Governor.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the former has been in 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 epitomised," he said.
He said Soludo had already accepted his resignation and appreciated him for the one year and five months he served in his administration while wishing him well in his future endeavors.
He said the governor particularly appreciated his services and how he worked to ensure a seamless transition from the previous administration to the current one adding that his services would be missed.
Aburime quoted Soludo as saying, I appreciate your personal and family circumstances that warrant the resignation.
Onejeme who was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Soludo at the beginning of the administration resigned this week after a year and five months.
He previously served as Commissioner during Obiano's administration.