First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, returned to the country from Germany on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Jonathan was hospitalized in the European country for several weeks, recuperating from an undisclosed ailment.
The first lady, whose arrival was confirmed by the News Agency of Nigeria, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on a presidential jet at about 4 pm and was received by top government officials and other well-wishers.
The whereabouts and health status of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, remain shrouded in utmost secrecy. Sunday Oguntola reports on the many controversies surrounding her continued absence from Aso Rock and the true story of her medical status.
Nearly 40 days after she was reportedly flown to Horst Schmidt Klinik Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany for treatment of an undisclosed ailment, the whereabouts and condition of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, remain unknown. It’s a classic case of the more you investigate, the less you get.
Last week, the media was awash with speculations over her status. Many online agencies reported she had left the hospital in preparation for her return home. But Sahara Reporters, a popular United States-based online agency run by Nigerians, debunked the reports, quoting a source that said she was still hospitalised as at 6pm local time on Thursday.
When our correspondent contacted her Media aide, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, he neither confirmed nor denied the return of Mrs. Jonathan. He simply said: “I cannot confirm that because I don’t know your source”. On when Nigerians should expect the First Lady, he was even more evasive, refusing to be committal.
Asked how she was faring, Osinlu only said: “We give Jesus praise”. Prodded further, he wondered: “Don’t you give Jesus praise?” He pledged to get back with details, a promise he didn’t fulfill as at press time.
Our efforts to speak with the German hospital also came to no avail as our calls to the following numbers – +49611433436 and +490611432377 – only yielded a stock answering machine response in German language.
A GALE OF SPECULATIONS
This kind of blackout is why the rumour mill keeps running on Dame Patience, a boisterous, gregarious First Lady who brightened up public functions with her bubbly personality. Since her ‘disappearance’ from the public space, there has been no official statement or pronouncement on her ailment. The best attempt came from Osinlu who said she was “resting abroad” after hectic schedules. This has left the media speculating on the nature of her illness. While Sahara Reporters initially reported she was hospitalised for food poisoning after a surgical procedure went awry, a Lagos-based evening newspaper, PM News, claimed she is being treated for cancer of the uterus.
Leadership Newspapers quoted one of the consultants working on Mrs. Jonathan as saying she had undergone some intestinal operations to maintain a firm tummy, a process she said led to poisoning and complications.
The source was quoted to have said: “Those operations that were performed on Mrs. Patience Jonathan led to a ruptured stomach and I think that was the reason she was fainting and as well having abdominal pains before she was brought here for treatment,” the source said.
SaharaReporters later reported she is undergoing treatment for Parkinson disease relying on medical sources in the hospital. One of the agency’s sources claimed the disease was largely responsible for her clumsiness, drawling speech and slow movement at public events.
The First Lady, he explained, has been suffering serious trembling in the left hand. “That’s why she always uses her right to hold the microphone when speaking at public events,” the source was quoted to have said. He added Mrs. Jonathan is affected by stiffness of the limbs and trunk which affects her movement.
HOW HER HEALTH’S TROUBLES STARTED
Investigations by our correspondent revealed Mrs. Jonathan has been battling with the lingering effects of a partial stroke suffered many years ago. While no one is certain how the condition arose, reliable sources in Bayelsa claim it occurred at a time of emotional upset over matrimonial differences back when President Jonathan was still Deputy Governor.
A source close to the First Family said the First Lady actually moved out of the Deputy Governor’s residence in anger to express her displeasure over the said matrimonial issues.
It was gathered she moved to Otuoke, the President’s village, to cool off for some time before former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha called for truce and reconciled husband and wife. Our correspondent learnt it was a move too late as the First Lady’s health had suffered serious bashing from the shock. She was said to have developed high blood pressure while the crisis lasted.
She reportedly fell ill later and was diagnosed as suffering from partial stroke. A team of doctors, our source added, has been managing her condition ever since. The condition affected her movement making her limp while walking. When the First Family moved to Abuja, a battery of specialists were always on hand to attend to any emergency arising from the condition.
Sources said her hectic public functions and restless travels must have aggravated her health conditions. “When you are hypertensive and in public office, you are in serious danger. When you travel a whole lot and hardly have time to rest then you are hitting the red zone. The chances are you will break down irredeemably, requiring serious emergency services,” a medical doctor who craved anonymity confided last week.
When she enjoyed better health, Mrs. Jonathan was always seen at public functions, favouring the nation with her boisterous personality. She was a moving force during her husband’s electioneering campaign last year, traversing the length and breadth of the nation to scout for votes. She mobilised women anywhere she went, showing off her strong will and political resilience.
When President Jonathan won the election, she did not slow down. Rather, she intensified her travels and activities. Her office was always bubbling with one event or the other. When terrorists started throwing bombs, she described them as disgruntled elements not pleased her husband was in power. To demonstrate her workaholic nature and ambition, she was appointed a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State last July despite public outcry.
Mrs. Jonathan simply dismissed misgivings about her appointment, saying First Ladies should be given more roles and recognitions in the constitution to enable them support their husbands. She even canvassed for constitutional roles for First Ladies and entitlement to retirement benefits.
According to her: “We the wives of political office holders, if our names are not in the constitution and our husbands retire with benefits, the Constitution amendment committee should also look into the issue of wives of political appointees. We should be included in the Constitution so that we too can retire with benefits. With that we can enjoy our career.”
KEEPING NIGERIANS WAITING
Her absence from the public radar has continued to elicit concerns from Nigerians. More distressing is the secrecy surrounding her medical condition and status. For the Presidency, her health is a private issue that should never become public issue. Presidential aides argue she is not an elected public officer. Critics, however, say Mrs. Jonathan is too visible a public figure to be ignored.
As the First Lady, Nigerians, they argue, deserve to know the nature of her ailment. Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, believes Nigerians have the right to know how their First Lady is doing. According to him: “The Presidency’s secrecy over the matter is evocative of the uncertainty over the fate of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who died in Saudi Arabia in 2010.
“Nigerians are indeed concerned about the health of their First Lady and want to know the situation of her health and at the same time wish her quick recovery and good health. Mrs. Patience Jonathan is a public figure and not just an ordinary Nigerian and as such, the public has a right to know her state of health and even that of her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, as is done in other civilised climes.”
But Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, insists Nigerians should be empathic, not probing about the condition of the First Lady. He said: “I think even if it is a suggestion that the wife of the President is sick, what I will expect Nigerians to feel is empathy, not probing, not questioning (about her health).”
TALES FROM GERMAN HOSPITAL
Our correspondent sent an email to the German hospital where Mrs. Jonathan is reported to be receiving treatment but there was no reply. Calls to the telephone lines were picked by answering machines speaking in German. But investigations reveal that the Horst Schmidt Klinik Hospital where she’s been receiving care specialises in cancer treatment – fuelling rumours the First Lady’s case may have to do with the ailment.
The website links directly to the Breast Centres Network with its opening page reading: “Our breast unit is a comprehensive breast care center certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) and the German Society of Sinology (DGS) since 2004. In 2006 we have obtained Eusoma initial accreditation. We treat about 900 patients with breast cancer disease including 350 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer disease per year, while our outpatient diagnostic section sees about 3500 patients per year.”
On facilities, it says: “Our clinic is fully equipped with technical facilities for minimally invasive breast diagnostic measures. The spectrum of surgery includes ablative and conservative as well as reconstructive interventions.
“We perform antilogous and heterogonous reconstructions as well as auxiliary diagnostic procedures and the sentinel lymph node techniques. Systemic treatment, such as antibody-, endocrine- and chemo-therapy, as well as supportive agents, that are initiated in our interdisciplinary conferences, are administered in our outpatient clinic under the auspices of experienced gynecological oncologists. Our breast unit is an active center of national and international study groups and an assessment center of the national mammography screening project.”
Earlier media reports confirmed the First Lady is under treatment in the hospital as confirmed by many consultants. Though the hospital offers other services, it specialises in cancer cases. That the First Lady is there may well confirm media reports that her ailment is cancer-related.
HER SPECULATED AILMENTS
* Food poisoning
* Parkinson’s disease
* Cancer of uterus
* Partial strokes
* Abdominal rupture
‘CBN is only doing what it is supposed to do financially and economically. If those in the agriculture sector, manufacturing, mining, power are lagging in growth to earn Nigeria the required FOREX, blame not Sanusi, he has done and is doing enough to sanitise the banking industry today, and if not for his stabilising the naira as he has done,the exchange rate today would not be less than N250 to one US dollar. He called the bluff of the IMF in January. Why is it only Nigerians that refuse coins? From Lanre Oseni’
For Olatunji Dare
If Obama is now finding it tough going for the second term, it is simply because the Grace of God that threw him up to the presidency must have been withdrawn from him. God typically stepped against racial prejudice to have him elected the first African-American president to prove that with Him there should be no segregation. But it does appear Obama seems not to reckon with such divine favour when he thoughtlessly approved gay marriage in America under his watch – a big slap on the face of God. He may not have performed excellently in office, but that is not the issue. With the grace withdrawn even those things he did that usually attracted loud ovation are bound to earn him scathing comments and snobbery from the people. Hence, his bid for a second tenure has become slippery. Of course, it is our prayer that the God of mercy shall see him through. From Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu.
I read your article on the US presidential election. Please, give me the full meaning of the abbreviation GOP. I have encountered it several times, recently. If Obama fails to make it the second time, he is the architect of his misfortune. I always love reading your articles and views on contemporary issues. Anonymous
Sir, If such thoroughly unbiased notes had been taken on Nigeria’s political system, an opportunist somewhere would have condemned the writer as being too venomous to be constructive. Mercifully, truth is sacrosanct. Citizens of any country can only live freely and happily when those trusted with political power use it for the common good. From Adegoke O. O. Ikhin, Edo State
Please, what is the meaning of GOP convention? Anonymous
Point of correction, it was Bill Clinton v George Bush ( senior) not Bob Dole in 1996. Anonymous
Re: Notes on the US Presidential Race. Notwithstanding the ‘pellets and bombs’ being thown at each other’s camp, campaign for the presidential election in US could be interesting and is still interesting till date, with justification on points and issues raised regarding tax, healthcare, and others unlike in Nigeria. One hopes that, we will learn at a faster rate in Nigeria. From Lanre Oseni.
Your piece on the US presidential race is apt and revealing. The salient point is that this year’s election is not being fought along party lines, it is the most racial and nepotic, an opinion poll had 45 percent of the people thinking Obama is a Muslim. What was the basis for conducting the poll? If all African-Americans, Hispanics, Asia-Americans and other minority races would rally round Obama, the GOP facists will be shamed. From Kayode Ojinnaka, Owerri
It is only in Africa that incumbents see second term as a piece of cake. Obama has failed Americans who expected so much from him but got disappiontment; he even refused to visit Nigeria, the giant of Africa. From Eguono, Port Harcourt
Bill Clinton v George Bush (senior) 1992, Bill Clinton v Bob Dole 1996, Americans elect the most powerful man in the world so, people like to know the next world leader. Anonymous
I read your column article “Notes on the U.S. presdential race”. I am not only shocked but speechless. What has come over America? The giant of democracy. Finally, you have left us to assess, analyse and appraise what the outcome of the US election will be. Anonymous
I really appreciate your indepth knowledge of the intrigues of American politics.You are, indeed, not only a well informed, knowledgeable and highly enlightened columnist, but a journalist of international repute. I am highly impressed, sir! Accept my best wishes and regards to the family, sir! From P. Akila Kasham, Plateau State.
For Gbenga Omotoso
How are we sure she did not go there after Stella Obasanjo? Let us pray she comes back. Anonymous
Please, the First Lady is not missing. She is with me at Yenagoa resting. From Uncle Bruce Bino.
Like the case of Prince Phillip, it is not a big deal if the Presidency clears the mystery on the whereabouts of our number one mother. From Ikedi, Umuahia
What is so special about the First lady, or did you vote for the office of the First Lady? Anonymous
Prince Phillip not his son, Andrew, was hospitalised. From Yusuf G. Mshelizza, Kaduna
I do not know the First Lady. I am just concerned about the mockery you have subjected her to. Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to disrespect and to put to public ridicule. To have a space to publish is not an opportunity to be reckless. From Clement
Since I have been going through your columns, this is the one I enjoyed reading. Truly, the question on the lips of everyone is: where is our First Lady? From Alex Orbuter, Makurdi
I read your piece and was left with the opinion that it was trite from the headline to the intro to the main body and to the conclusion! It was rather too cheap and full of sarcacism. Please, leave such non-serious issue to less- endowed journalists. Thank you! Anonymous
Must we print our currencies in a foreign country? What is the reason behind setting up the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Corporation in the 60s? Granted that the machines should have become obsolete by now, can the cost of procuring new ones be as high as N30 billion? If it is, once we buy it, will it not become our property for a long time? But then there will not be any avenue for the boys to maintain foreign accounts. Or will there be? From Adegoke Adeyemo, Lagos.
Gbenga, you hit those deserving to be hit with stone covered with cotton wool. I always enjoy your column. Of recent, some of my friends who used to buy your newspaper have stopped because of the unnecessary Mimiko bashing. As the editor of the paper, do not allow it to be turned to the defunct “New Nigeria”. Try and moderate the political columnists. From Yinka Niyi, Epe Lagos
Re: Where is the First Lady? You did not empathise or sympathise with the First Lady’s health challenge. On a very serious note, transparency is to declare the true position of those who govern us directly or remotedly. First Lady will sooner than later appear to us in a bigger way. One thing is clear, she is ok. There is no cause for any row over N5000 note and coins. If N5000 and coins are too much for me, I will go to my level -N200s and N100s. Our problem is not Sanusi and notes but low production. From Lanre Oseni.
Re: Where is the First Lady. It is really a shame on our leaders that our health system is so dismal that the First Lady had to be flown abroad as alleged for treatment for food poisoning. This was possible because her husband is in power as Mr President. What of the masses who bear the brunt of the dearth of health infrastructure in this country? Where will they go to if they too come down with food poisoning? To hospitals starved of government funding and patronage? This country needs a rebirth. From Olumide Soyemi, Bariga.
Thanks for the hilarious piece on your Thursday back page. Indeed, serious stories can be told with rib-cracking humour as you have always shown. Bravo! From Bassy esq.
For Tunji Adegboyega
Re: “N5000 note? Perish the thought!’ The thought should not be perished because all opponents of N5000 note and coins have not been given econo-financial reasons for their rejection. Rather, it has been the usual radical and rejection based on sentiment. Tunji, inflation and value of money are determined by level of productivity of citizens, level of production in agriculture, industries, mining and quantity of exports as well as FOREX earned. Brother, N20,000 note has no negative impact on our economy. Compare the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s value and exports to post-’85s. From Lanre.
Don’t you think this N5000 note is one of the preconditions set by the West for Mr President for 2015? Think of same sex marriage. From Mazijos.
Tunji, your thoughts on N5000 note are nothing buthard facts. You should write another article on the planned coinage of 5, 10 and 20 naira denominations. Anonymous.
What is all this weeping and gnashing of teeth over a high denomination of the naira. When Ghana released its currency on July 1, 2007, the 50 cedis note had a value of 53.76 USD. How much is N5,000?The UK has a 50 pound note (N12,000). The USD note is about N16,000. The 10,000 fcfa in poor Cotonou next door is N3,000. When shall we grow up? Anonymous.
Tunji, your comments and analysis have spoken for the masses of this country. The CBN wants the poor people to be poorer and the rich, richer. If not so, let Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi tell the people the true picture of the N5000 in his mind. More of your incisive comments. From Akinleye, H.O.
Tunji, your article on N5000 naira note was well researched and intellectually convincing. Honestly, Sanusi started well but is now derailing. I think Soludo was better. How would the President approve of it without wide consultation? Sanusi took advantage of Jonathan’s naivety or, else, how could Jonathan have approved it without consulting our economists and highly reputable bankers? A layman will know that it will not do us any good. Sanusi is only out to prove that it was his time as CBN governor that this higher denomination was introduced. This is a PDP agenda of bribing the electorate come 2015. Anonymous
If today we mint N100 into coins, it would simply lose its value; that is the point. Let Sanusi and his CBN print even N10,000 note, it makes no difference to corruption, but the real problem is if N5, N10 and N20 notes are minted into coins. Welcome inflation! You and I know that within six months, they are no longer legal tender and that is the real devaluation. Our protest is currently misplaced. We should be against the coinage of those denominations. From Cliff.
CBN is only doing what it is supposed to do financially and economically. If those in the agriculture sector, manufacturing, mining, power are lagging in growth to earn Nigeria the required FOREX, blame not Sanusi, he has done and is doing enough to sanitise the banking industry today, and if not for his stabilising the naira as he has done,the exchange rate today would not be less than N250 to one US dollar. He called the bluff of the IMF in January. Why is it only Nigerians that refuse coins? From Lanre Oseni.
I completely agree with you that people seem unsatisfied at whatever moves by President Jonathan makes; nevertheless, going by his present works I believe he would emerge the best president of this soil ever in the end. I never cease praying for him to hit the expectation of the people. Anonymous
Is it not strange that amongst the so-called NEMT members who supported the introduction of the N5000 naira note are those enmeshed in the oil subsidy scam? Make no mistake about this … From Akindele Kayode.
It looks like the CBN is set to go ahead with it. Why do we not pressure Mr Sanusi and CBN to re-denominate the naira? Pray, what is this our hatred for coins, a media creation? Imagine if the present N100 were to be just N1.00 and you needed only N1.60 for one dollar. Imagine petrol going for just N0.97. Yes, we would gladly use coins. But we love illusion. Big figures excite us. Billionaires! Vanity. God bless. From Harry Dee.
I am very surprised despite your being informed that you could not see that what the implementation of N5000 note is telling you is that the naira is over-valued and has to devalue. Like it or not, print N5000 or not, the currency will always find its true level. For as long as we have chosen the path of corruption in this country we shall continue to experience inflation manifesting in high denomination currency. That is the fact. Remember the cedi at the height of Ghanaians bad economy. Watch out, N10,000 note is coming and we shall see worthless minimum wage of N50,000 per month. Be prepared to buy bread for N1000 …. These are all rewards of corruption. Anonymous