NIGERIA (Abuja) - President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has officially confirmed the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur from office as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

President Jonathan, at the ongoing National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, handed over the official resignation letter of Tukur to its National Secretary, Wale Oladipo.

In his speech, President Jonathan said: “He (Mr. Tukur) is not guilty of any offence and I am going to give him an assignment that is tougher than PDP chairman.”

According to the President, the new party chairman will be announced during the next NEC meeting next week Monday.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River moved the motion to accept Mr. Tukur’s resignation. The motion was seconded by the Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, and was accepted by the NEC.