PRESIDENT'S WIFE RESIGNS AS BAYELSA PERMANENT SECRETARY

Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, has resigned her appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service.

Although the First Lady was said to have left the service voluntarily by Ministry of Education sources but since the appointment had caused outrage in the state at the time with some Bayelsa residents accusing Governor Seriake Dickson of politicising the civil service in the state, there are speculations that she may have resigned because of alleged rift.

The alleged bad relationship between the governor and the President’s wife was said to have been triggered by Patience unwillingness to support Dickson’s second term bid and her clear preference for the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa.

However, a ranking official of the ministry said it was true Patience had resigned voluntarily.

The official, who did not want her name in print because she was not authorised to speak on the matter, said she was not aware of the resignation having political undercurrents.

She said, “I can say Patience Jonathan has voluntarily retired. But whether there is political undertone in her resignation or not, I cannot say.

“I think the First Lady felt that her continued stay as Permanent Secretary will be depriving others. Now that she has resigned, it will afford others the opportunity to take over 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.”