ENUGU – Six political appointees in the Enugu State Government have resigned their positions to pursue various political ambitions ahead of the 2015 general elections, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
They include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo; commissioners for Enugu Capital Development Authority, Mr Ikechukwu Ugwuegede and Transport, Mr Chuka Utazi.
Others are Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Joe Mamel; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development Implementation (PDI), Mr Uche Nwobodo; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Paul Nnajiofor.
Confirming the resignations, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Amechi Okolo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday that the appointees had complied with the Electoral Act.
According to him, interested political appointees at the 2015 elections have resigned according to the law, to face their ambitions.
“They have complied because the last date is today. They have all resigned,’’ he said.
Some of the aspirants who spoke to NAN confirmed their resignation, saying it was to enable them to render effective service to the people.
According to Ugwuegede, who is vying for a House of Representatives seat, “it is my intention to present myself to the people of Igboeze South/Nsukka Federal Constituency to represent them at the National Assembly.
“I have therefore had to relinquish my position as a commissioner to pursue my intentions freely’’.
Also, Utazi who is seeking to represent the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, said his resignation took effect from Oct. 20.
NAN reports that some loyalists were seen packing personal effects of the Chief of Staff and the Special Assistant on Projects at the Government House.
The former chief of staff is pursuing her ambition for the Enugu East Senatorial Zone ticket while Nwobodo is vying for the Enugu North/South Federal Constituency.
All the aspirants are contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, the local government chairmen from Enugu West Senatorial Zone have purchased the Expression of Interest form for Gov. Sullivan Chime to contest the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu’s seat.
The chairmen, comprised those from Awgu, Aninri, Ezeagu, Oji River and Udi councils that made up the zone. (NAN)