The Presidency in Nigeria began a pushback against anarchists who single-out the first lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, for incessant media harassment and unending ridicule on the complimentary roles she plays in the administration.
Dame Patience Jonathan reportedly showed up at the Addis-Ababa African Union meeting with more than thirty delegates of individuals who are not in government, but rode on jets paid for by taxpayers. In a country that desperately needs to unite against threatening forces that could mitigate avoidable disintegration, Mrs. Jonathan becomes the first in the line of ladies to be whipped for inefficiencies in the system.
However, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati described the report (not from sharpedgenews.com) as inaccurate.
In a release made available to sharpedgenews.com on Sunday, Dr. Abati explained that Mrs. Jonathan had no delegation, “official or unofficial.”
“The Nigerian Entourage list contains 35 names in total, however three of those whose names are listed did not join the delegation and the total number of delegates in Addis Ababa is not more than 32. This includes two Senators (the Chair of the Senate committee on NEPAD and another member), a member of the House of Representatives (NEPAD House of Reps), essential aides of the First couple, and Foreign Ministry Officials. Mr. President meant every word of it when he said that only persons who have work to do will be allowed to travel, officially.”
“As you well know, Nigeria is a free country; President Jonathan cannot prevent Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or anywhere else without good reason, legal sanction or authority. If there are other Nigerians in Addis Ababa, they are certainly not official delegates, and they have nothing to do with the First Lady.”
“President Jonathan remains committed to the Constitution he swore to protect and defend. “
Newsreports on the activities and trips of the First-Lady often overlook behind-the-scene hooks and negotiations on issues of peace and conflict resolution. Mrs. Jonathan is also usually underappreciated as the only woman who in recent history ever campaigned for her husband in Nigeria.