Dame Patience Jonathan Resigns As Permanent Secretary In Bayelsa.

Original Post By Ekemini Ekwere | Staff Writer, thetrentonline.com

Nigeria's first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan

The First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan has resigned her appointment as a permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service, a position she held since July 2012.

The state governor, Seriake Dickson appointed the President’s wife as a permanent secretary to the wonder of Nigerians despite the fact that she is based in the Presidential Villa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The First Lady has resigned from the position, which has been undefined from inception, for reasons speculated to be political.

Mama Peace, as fondly called, is said to be in a running battle with governor Dickson over the politics of 2015.

A source in the state Ministry of Education who pleaded anonymity had this to say about the First Lady’s voluntary resignation:

“The whole thing is political. It appears Madam Peace is not happy with the governor. With her resignation, the battle line has been drawn. I feel the President’s wife resigned to enable her to have the moral right to slug it out with Dickson ahead of the governorship poll in the state. Let no one deceive you, the whole thing is politics. After all, she is 57 and the retirement age is 60.”

Also speaking to the press, a high ranking aide in Bayelsa confirmed the resignation.

“I can say Dame Patience Jonathan has voluntarily retired. But whether there is political undertone in her resignation, I cannot say. I think the First Lady felt that her continued stay as Permanent Secretary will be depriving others. Already, in accordance with the civil service rules, we have prepared all her entitlements. Whatever is due her will be given to her. She will also be receiving her pension,” he said.