By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has debunked “the false and malicious claims” of a conflict between the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and his erstwhile Finance Commissioner, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, as reason for the recent resignation of the latter.

The Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, in a statement made available to News Express on Saturday said that “the wild rumours of fathom fallout were fabricated and propagated by a dubious, sponsored online media channel, Stargist.”

He said the media channel insinuated that the governor forced the former finance commissioner to quit over certain disagreements pertaining to the state finances.

Aburime said: “This is laughable as it is all fabricated lies.

“The same reckless Stargist also shamelessly concocted a false claim of an alleged previous walk-out on the governor by the former chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service.

“We categorically state that these allegations are nothing but a tissue of lies fabricated by sponsored propagandists with the intent of undermining the integrity and stability of the Soludo administration.

“The purported claims are not only baseless but also lack any shred of evidence as they are contrived attempts to mislead the public.

“The truth is that Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, an esteemed member of Governor Soludo’s government, resigned from his position due to purely personal and family-related matters, a decision that the governor understood and respected.

“In fact, in accepting the resignation of the former commissioner, the governor duly appreciated his commitment, professionalism and great service to Anambra State over the past nine and half years, as he helped facilitate a seamless fiscal continuity between the previous administration and the present one.

“It would be recalled that Mr. Onejeme previously served as Commissioner during the Obiano’s administration and was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Governor Soludo at the beginning of this administration to help the new government settle in.

“So, the notion of fallout between Governor Charles Soludo and Mr. Onejeme over the state finances is complete falsehood and holds no truth whatsoever.

“Let it be emphasized that Governor Soludo stands resolute in his commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and the well-being of the people of Anambra State.”

According to the government spokesman, the relentless spew of unfounded claims every now and then serves only to distract from the remarkable progress being achieved under the Soludo administration.

He urged Ndi Anambra to disregard these baseless allegations and support the government’s efforts to build a prosperous and thriving Anambra State for all.

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