Nigeria First Lady,Patience Jonathan Returns

Nearly two months after Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was reportedly flown to Germany over an undisclosed ailment, President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife yesterday returned to a carnival-like reception at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

Mrs. Jonathan arrived into the waiting arms of her husband, her son, mother-in-law, friends and well-wishers amid tight security.

She however, dispelled speculations that she was away to undergo tummy tuck, a form of cosmetic surgery.

The crowd, comprising mostly women, youth groups and traditional dancers, were dressed in colourful attire, dancing and singing praises to God for her safe arrival.

As she alighted from the aircraft, there were so much pushing and shoving among the crowd that struggled to catch a glimpse of Mrs. Jonathan.

A few others, however, kept a distance in order not to be trampled under foot.

Among the dignitaries who came to receive her were female ministers, led by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison- Maduekwe, who said: “We thank God she is back and she is well.”

Dame Jonathan, who looked pale and emaciated, was not bedecked with jewelry and make-up as usual.

Rather, she was dressed in a multi-coloured caftan and a matching head tie as captured live on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

The first lady thanked God for giving her a second chance to serve Nigerians, particularly women, children and the less privileged.

The First Lady, who berated those who insinuated that she would die like Gen. Sani Abacha, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, urged Nigerians to pray for those in government, adding: “I thank God Almighty for bringing me back safely to Nigeria. Wherever there are good people, there are also bad ones.

“They are few Nigerians that are saying whatever they like but not what God planned because God has a plan for all of us. And God has said it all that where two or three are gathered in His name, he will be with them. And Nigerians gathered and prayed for me and God listened and heard their prayers. So, I thank God for that.

“At the same time, I will use this opportunity to tell those few ones that are saying that anybody that goes into the villa or Aso Rock will die.

“They mentioned Abacha, they mentioned Stella Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and other people. Why didn’t they mention those ones that went there with their families, succeeded and still came out alive.

“We should remember that Aso Rock is the seat of power and that is where God has ordained for we Nigerians that our leaders should rule from, and rule us right. God is wonderful and his infinite mercies endure.

“At the same time, I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital. God almighty knows that I have never been to that hospital, I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned.

“I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, neither did I do any cosmetic surgery, talk less of tummy tuck. My husband loves me as I am and I’m pleased with how God created me.

“I cannot add anything.

“But at the same time, I will use this opportunity to thank my beloved husband and my children and my staff in general and all Nigerians for standing by me during my trying time.

“God has given me a second chance to come and work with the women of Nigeria, children and the less privileged. I have come to serve Nigeria. I have come to work with Nigerians. I’m there for them. Once more, I am pleased to be back.

“I love Nigerians. They are my family.”

Before then, the First Lady had returned to the warm embrace of her husband, children and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Eunice Jonathan, and her domestic staffers at about 5pm.

Her staffers burst into songs in her local dialect, clapping and dancing.

The song, when translated, meant: “Thank you God. You have done us good. Thank God. Lord, you have done us good. Thank you.”

They wore printed T-shirts with her pictures and these messages printed on them: “We love you, we miss you, welcome back. May you live long”.

Other dignitaries who were at the Airport were the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke; Minister of State, Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike; the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadhome; State House Chief of Protocol (SCOPE); special advisers; the media; her Chief Personal Physician; and other media aides working in the presidency.

Meanwhile, the First Lady’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ayo Osinlu, who, hitherto, refused to pick journalists’ calls while the First Lady was away, was also around to welcome his boss.

When approached to arrange for the First Lady to speak to newsmen, he objected.

Source:Sun