The controversy of Alemayehu Atomsa’s ‘resignation’

A high placed source within the Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation (OPDO), a member party of the EPRDF, said the recent reports that the ex- Oromia region president and Chairman of the OPDO, Alemayehu Atomsa did ‘resign himself’ as was ‘false’.

Alemayehu had reportedly held a full day evaluation on February 17, 2014 regarding the corruption, lack of good administration and nepotism in the Oromia region.

Most members of the Organisation and others who served as senior officials during the times of the former chairman of the Organisation, Abadula Gemeda, now Speaker of the Parliament, have been arguing with Alemayehu. He was even being forced to speak louder than he would when he was in such a precarious health status.

When the row between the Central Committee members was being tensioned, Alemayehu was later in the evening forced to close the meeting. When most members of the Council left the building and the meeting, Aster Mamo, OPDO’s Head of Organisational Affairs and considered by many as the loyal representative of the TPLF within OPDO, stayed back in her office.

Aster asked Alemayehu why he was not leaving and minutes later she called an ambulance to take him to a hospital near Gerji. The next day Alemayehu was flown abroad per the referral of the hospital for further treatment.

When the Central Committee learnt that Alemayehu’s illness was life threatening, it met the next day and wrote a letter stating that Alemayehu Atomsa has officially resigned from his post.

Alemayehu had entered no letter of resignation.

After some competition for the post, Muktar Kedir, considered by many as pro-Abadula Gemeda, has taken over the chairmanship.

It is to be recalled that ESAT, quoting some officials of the OPDO, had reported that Alemayehu Atomsa was ‘poisoned’ after consuming a food two years ago. Alemayehu’s bodyguard has been also suffering from a similar disease since then. He is also now being treated at a hospital near Gerji in Addis Abeba.

Alemayhu had started a new movement of clearing the Oromia region from corruption days after he became the region’s president.

Insiders say Muktar Kedir’s election is a big relief to TPLF.