Patience Jonathan Declares 'Governor Amaechi Remains My Son'
SAN FRANCISCO, July 17, (THEWILL) – First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, the arrowhead of the attack against the Rivers State Governor, even though she continues to deny the fact in public, has for the second time this week, urged all parties in the state’s political crisis to “sheath their swords” in order to allow peace reign in the state.
Political watchers are of the opinion that Amaechi is being attacked because he has refused to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan’s imminent re-election bid in 2015.
A statement signed by Ayo Osinlu, her Special Assistant on Media, said Mrs. Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when she received members of the Niger Delta Bishops Forum/South South Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The full text of the statement reads: “The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has again called on various interests in the Rivers State crisis to sheath their swords, and find ways to restore peace to the state, so that the current generation can leave a legacy for generations to come.
She spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when she received members of the Niger Delta Bishops Forum/South South Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Rotimi Amaechi to fly the olive branch, and resist being used by outsiders against his own people. While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
The First lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mr. Nyeson Wike remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen, and would do anything to protect both of them.
She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission; her desire is to have peace in her home base.
Quoting copiously from the Holy Bible, Dame Jonathan brought out the vital, dynamic and creative resources for peace building as ordained by God, as well as the importance of respect for elders and those in authority.
She emphasized that she has committed the situation in Rivers state to prayers, “because I believe there is nothing prayer cannot do” and “when God says yes, nobody can say no”.
The First Lady, who charged the Bishops to pray that God should return Rivers State to its normal peaceful situation, expressed her faith that with God the present generation will leave a legacy of peace for generations yet unborn.
The Bishops, led by ArchBishop God-Do-Well, said that they were not influenced or bribed to pay the visit, but got inspiration from God to take practical steps to restore peace in Nigeria, especially Rivers State.
Arch Bishop God Do-Well stated that their presence was in fulfillment of the church’s responsibility to shape a culture of peace and justice.
Prayers were offered for peace in Nigeria, Rivers State and the well being of the first family.”