Why Dokpesi May Never Be Jonathan’s Chief of Staff

Few months ago, First Weekly exclusively reported that there were underground moves to appoint Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi as the Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The present occupier of the same position is his kinsman from Edo State, Mike Ogiadomhe.

There is however a new twist to the matter as we were reliably informed that there have been moves to stop the media mogul from getting the juicy appointment from the number one citizen of the country.

As we reliably learnt, some forces opposed to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) are doing everything within their powers to stop him from clinching the appointment.

A source close to Dokpesi informed us that the plan to make him the COS to Jonathan is being thwarted due to his closeness to IBB by forces that are opposed to the gap-tooth Minna, Niger State-based ex-military leader. 

Our source said that having Dokpesi as Jonathan’s Chief of Staff will not favour perceived enemies of IBB in the corridors of power in Abuja. It was learnt that though Jonathan favours Dokpesi for the coveted post, those around him are bent on frustrating the gesture.

Recall that Dr. Dokpesi was the Director of IBB for President Campaign Committee in 2011 prior to the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where President Goodluck Jonathan eventually emerged the party’s candidate.

Another informant divulged last week that Dokpesi is being blocked by those, who feel he would be a thorn in the flesh of their ambition and moves if he comes on board.

They were said to have told President Jonathan that Dokpesi was not the right candidate for such position as it might be too risky to entrust him with such a sensitive position.

“They expressly told President Jonathan to soft pedal on the issue and look for a competent hand or allow Ogiadomhe complete the first term with him and look for another person in his second term in office. He was told that Dokpesi should not be given the appointment and they have been doing everything possible to stop Jonathan from taking any action on the matter,” said a source.

But another source stated that the delay is not about people trying to stop Dokpesi, but that President Jonathan is only trying to take his time on the sensitive matter.

November 19, 2013