The Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadhome, has resigned, presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati confirmed on Monday.

Abati told State House correspondents that Oghiadhome tendered his resignation letter to the president on Monday, refuting earlier social media reports that he was sacked for several alleged contract scams in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

Oghiadhome, who is also a former deputy governor in Edo State under Lucky Igbinedion, resigned to pursue his political ambitions, Abati said. He is believed to be interested in running for the governorship election in Edo State.

“Nothing extensive to say other than to confirm that the Chief of Staff has resigned his appointment. 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. It has nothing to do with the speculation that one online has tried to put out,” the presidential spokesperson said.

President Jonathan had announced about two weeks ago in a council meeting 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 notify him.

Abati said that Oghiadhome had discharged his duties diligently and by so doing had contributed immensely to Jonathan’s administration’s successes.

“This is a man who had served and who had given time and energy to the pursuit of the good interest of our country. The country is very grateful to him and the president personally will like to wish him well in his future endeavours,” he added.

No replacement has yet been made to fill the vacant position.