[size=14pt]Governor Obi Stunned as Chuks Iloegbunam Resigns[/size]
Posted: May 7, 2011 - 14:13

By SaharaReporters, New York
SaharaReporters has just learnt that Chuks Iloegbunam, a top advisor to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra, has resigned his post.


Chuks Iloegbunam

Mr. Iloegbunam’s departure marks the second time in a week that a top official of Mr. Obi’s government has resigned. Governor Obi’s widespread unpopularity in the state resulted in the crushing defeat of most of the candidates he supported in recent state and national legislative elections.

Before joining Governor Obi’s administration five years ago as chief of staff, Mr. Iloegbunam had a distinguished career as a newspaper editor, columnist, author and publisher.

A source close to Mr. Obi told SaharaReporters that Mr. Iloegbunam’s resignation “is certainly a big blow to the governor,” adding, “Chuks was one of the few people who had the courage to speak truthfully to Governor Obi.” The source added that Governor Obi’s growing unpopularity was partly because he had surrounded himself with weak-willed assistants who tell him what he wants to hear.

Another source, a commissioner, described Iloegbunam as a calm presence in Government House where he went about his work without throwing his weight about. “Oga Chuks or Baba Ndidi, as he was called, was never afraid to speak up during cabinet or other meetings. He was one of a few people who could openly disagree with the governor.”

Two sources at Government House, Awka told SaharaReporters that Mr. Iloegbunam had been complaining about being put under pressure to defend government policies he had either advised against or considered wrong-headed.

One of the sources, who is close to Mr. Iloegbunam, remarked, “The last straw came last week when the state government concocted a lie claiming that Governor Obi had rescued Anambra youth corpers who were under attack in some northern parts of the country.” He added: “Chuks was very upset that his name was used in the story that gave the impression that he was part of the deception.” Several of the youth corps members called SaharaReporters to deny that Mr. Obi helped at all in their rescue. They criticized the governor for refusing to see them when they arrived at Government House, Awka to share their ordeal.

Last week, SaharaReporters broke the news of the resignation of Chima Okafor, who served as the state’s commissioner for Commerce.

SaharaReporters has since learnt that Mr. Okafor was appalled that Governor Obi had been nonchalant about death threats directed at the former commissioner. “I believe the governor’s callous indifference led to his decision to resign,” added the source.

A source close to Governor Obi confirmed Mr. Iloegbunam’s resignation, adding that the governor was “taken totally by surprise.”

A few years ago, Mr. Obi abolished the post of chief of staff, leaving Mr. Iloegbunam as an advisor on media and policy matters.

http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/governor-obi-stunned-chuks-iloegbunam-resigns

I respect this man, I wonder how many Nigerian politicians who will have the spine to resign their post

High_Chief:

I respect this man, I wonder how many Nigerian politicians who will have the spine to resign their post

Dr mrs Leslie Obiora did resign as a minister and Okonjo Iweala did the same too.

I hear say Peter Obi na a stingy Governor.

So you want him to use state's money for merry go round?.

aloy/emeka:

Dr mrs Leslie Obiora did resign as a minister and Okonjo Iweala did the same too.

I know about those ones, he is among the few. You know the breed of politicians we have in that country, so I respect him

I fear that Obi is seriously sinking. Ikemba's absence seem to have cut him loose to do as he wishes resulting to this freefall.

Obi might have good plans 4 d state but he should watch it, he is fast loosing ground

i thought sahara reporters was an anti pdp paper?

he took a honourable path, such kind are rare

Abagworo:

I hear say Peter Obi na a stingy Governor.

Person where Dora Akunyili openly say he dey live for him Mama house as a Governor! Wetin u dey expect from such man??
Dora think say na the best way to defend am from the N10B allegation by Dr. Anene. But she no know say she dey nail am of a bigger Super-glue-fistedness Allegation.
I laugh in Igala

Peter Obi is suffering from incompetence, he is trying his best but is best is dismal and he ranks s the worst anambra has produced.
He has only managed to hang on using media, religious and tribal manipulations.

Quite an irony for a state like Anambra.

@Roadstar and Doublekay,what do u guys mean by "Obi has good plans,trying his best" yada yada,mi God, obi has done and is doing NOTHING.5 years in office and nothing,not one single positive thing to show for it

@Topic,hmmn.In due time,we shall get to the root of the matter.where is Ujunwa btwn?

@Ify,
are sure that u really reside in anambra, cos sometimes this ur unfounded lies makes me to think whether my own anambra is fake. Obi, pls keep on with ur parsimonity

@Ify,
are sure that u really reside in anambra, cos sometimes this ur unfounded lies makes me to think whether my own anambra is fake. Obi, pls keep on with ur parsimonity

Peter Obi's Anambra state has been better than Mbadinuju's. Onitsha ia a heck lot better than it was 10 years ago. However, the police presence and violence in the state has increased simultaneously, and frankly, Obi seems to be swimming in a pool of sharks (PDP/NGIGE/UBAS/and local Anambra People).

Obi also doesnt have the "Nigerian" political sense to increase your base- especially when you/your party is popular in the area, thus, the victory of PDP and even an election rigger Ngige, over almost every APGA candidate.

Its too bad, and frankly, when his soon to come election comes, I won't be surprised that Chris Uba wins the election.

he will soon stand alone

I am losing respect for that man.