Remember there was an outrage back in July 2012, when first lady dame patience Jonathna was appointed amongst 17 others as permanent secretaries in the state civil service. Well she has voluntraily resighned the postion this week.
It was gathered that the resignation was following a final breakdown in relationship between the First Lady and the Governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson.
The alleged frosty relationship between the duos was said to have been triggered by her unwillingness to support Dickson’s second term bid.
Instead, it was learnt that the First Lady had preference for the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa.
It was also gathered that Patience resigned to enable her to have the moral justification to fight with the governor for the soul of Bayelsa State.
But our correspondent learnt from reliable sources that the ministry had computed her terminal benefits already.
For those who agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity, they said, “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.”
As part of her plots to oust Dickson, the First Lady was accused of influencing the posting of the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, to the state.
When contacted, Chief Salo Adikumo, who resigned during the week as Commissioner for Education, said he was no longer the commissioner.
He said: “I resigned recently as commissioner to enable me to pursue my political ambition. Please direct all your enquiries to the Ministry, ” he said.
But, a senior official of the ministry confirmed the development and said it was true the First Lady resigned.
The official, who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimisation, dismissed political reasons in her resignation.
He said: “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. Now that she has thrown in the towel, it will afford others the opportunity to take her position.
“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.”
Culled from a Sky News report
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