Patience Jonathan Replies Ameachi’s Allegation that She’s in Rivers to Rig Election

Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has denied allegations made by the Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, that she was in the state to pressure INEC’s Resident Electoral Commission in the state, Gesila Khan, into rigging the governorship election in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and by implication, Nyesom Wike.

The First Lady, who arrived Rivers State on Wednesday April 8, said she was only in the state to be welcomed by her kinsmen who had applauded her for the support she gave to her husband.

In a statement released by Director of Information in her office, Ihuoma Priscilla, she said:

"The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has dismissed the allegation that she was pressurising the Independent National Electoral Commission (and the Security Agencies to rig tomorrow’s (April 11, 2015) elections in Rivers State. As an apostle of peace and non-violent elections, the First Lady distances herself from any alleged actions that could hinder successful elections in Nigeria, especially in her home state, Rivers State.

“She countered the insinuations that she was in her home town, Okrika for the purpose of the governorship election, pointing out that she registered in her husband, President Jonathan’s village, Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The First Lady, a highly respected indigene of Okrika in Rivers State visited her home town on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 to a tumultuous welcome by her kinsmen and women who thronged the streets to welcome and appreciate her wonderful support to her husband, the President and for bringing development to Okrikaland,” she also said.