The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, has announced his intention to go on a 10-day break from politics.
John Odigie-Oyegun
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has dispelled reports suggesting an "internal strife" in the APC and a move to "ease" him out of office.
He made the statement during a media chat today.
He said: "I have been APC National Chairman for how long now? Going to two years, and it has been a very intense period building the party and a very intense period putting government together up to this point. All that has happened is that I think I deserve a bit of a break and that will start effective Monday.
"In my absence, the party's Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni will cover my beat. It is that simple, it is that straightforward. Any speculation about not being in the office is of no consequence.
"On Tuesday I was down with malaria, I managed on Wednesday to attend that crucial meeting at the presidency, yesterday (Thursday) I had to go to the hospital just to be sure and today I am at work, full stop. So please, please, please I know the press is supposed to be imaginative and steer the news but not when there is really nothing to steer. It is that simple.
How long is the break?
"Ten working days (two weeks). So if you start counting from Monday, you should know when I'll be back. The meeting on Wednesday bothered on such important national issues, chairman or no chairman position has nothing to do with such serious national issues of national importance, which a very serious and select group like that was put together to address so nothing as mundane as whether the future of the chairman is in doubt or not.