Dame Patience Jonathan
The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has supported former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, for her endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed second term.
Mrs Jonathan has been a subject of harsh criticism after she endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office. She had affirmed that she had no plans of returning to Aso Rock, and that she would work for Tinubu’s re-election, drawing criticisms from many Nigerians.
However, the Ohanaeze youths have thrown their weight behind her, declaring that the ex-First Lady had the right to support any politician of her choice.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, signed by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, and the National Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, they said those attacking Mrs Jonathan were misplaced aggressors.
The group said it was within the right of the former First Lady “to support any politician of her choice, just like any other Nigerian. “There is freedom of choice guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution and natural laws. What the former First Lady, Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan, is to exercise that right of choice.
“Anyone who is not comfortable with her choice is also at liberty to pitch a tent with any other politician of their choice. Those against her should have a rethink and allow Dame Patience to be; she remains one of the finest and caring First Ladies ever produced in Nigeria.
“Her passion and commitment towards the welfare of the downtrodden in this country remain unparalleled. Quite glaring is also her large followership, which cuts across every part of the country and beyond, and has remained so, even years after she left office. So, those against her political decision should be brave enough to name the person they are supporting.”
The Igbo youth organisation urged Dame Jonathan to ignore those “whose antics is to use social media and abuse anyone who shares different political opinions as their paymasters.”
