Contrary to publications in a section of the media, the wife of the president, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has said that she has no corruption case against her, even as she warned that she should not be used for politics.
The 1st Lady stated this, at the Aso Rock villa while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) during a courtesy visit to her office and conferment as grand patron of the association.
Dame Jonathan who decried the use of the media in smear campaign by political opponents said.
Allegations against her and most recently against a supposed relative of her to the tune of $13.5million have continued for over seven years and always during elections, even as she had never been arrested or invited by any anti-graft agency within or outside Nigeria.
“I have never seen $13.5million in my life. How does one even begin to carry such money? Is it money one person can carry? I don’t know how any journalists would believe that either me or any relative of mine could have beat the security in Nigeria and the country of destination.”
Dame Jonathan argued that if the media publications were true, the EFCC and any other agency involved would have documents to that effect, even as she noted that the immediate past chairman of the EFCC who was a presidential candidate in the last election on the platform of the ACN had declared that she had no case.
She tasked the media to always verify information and sources before publication as “We are all familiar with the reality that people are inclined to believe what they read or hear in the media.
“I must seize this opportunity to highlight the need for the media to ensure balance and accuracy at all times and in all matters. The media must not be found to present matters in ways that could generate heat and tension in the system through inaccuracies that could lead to misrepresentations and misunderstandings.”
Earlier, the National President of NAWOJ, Asabe Baba Nahaya commended the 1st lady on her commitment to the promotion and protection of rights and destiny of Nigeria women as promised by President Jonathan during the election.
“It is on record that the 100 days in office of this administration saw your commitment to the realisation of the 35 percent affirmative action which you so much prayed and worked for.
“Nigerian women are today carrying their shoulders high in pride as 13 women are holding the revered position of ministers of the Federal republic of Nigeria which has never happened before and other appointments and recognitions given to women.”
She pledged the readiness of the association to partner with the office of the 1st lady on women empowerment programmes, “As women journalists, we are your voice and we therefore call for partnership with your office in all aspects of your programmes and projects.”
SOURCE: Leadership Newspaper 17 September 2011. http://www.leadership.ng
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