Our dear first lady made history yesterday by becoming the first 'First Lady' of Nigeria to be appointed Permanent Secretary in a State civil service.
Mrs Jonathan and 17 others were appointed Perm Sec in the state civil service by the governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson. The announcement was broadcast on the state radio station yesterday evening Wednesday July 11th.
Explaining their reason for the appointment, the senior special assistant to the governor on media affairs, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that the First Lady was a teacher in the state’s civil service and has been on leave of absence since 1999 to join her husband in his political service; first as a deputy governor, governor, vice president, then president. If not for the leave of absence, according to him, Mrs Jonathan would have risen to the status of a permanent secretary by now.
Others on the list of permanent secretaries were Mr. J.E. Oye, Samson Ayibeboa, Mrs. Antonia Koroye, Ziwari Billie, Buruboyefa John, Dikuro Ayebameh, Serge Williams, Olu Kuruom, G.I.Izein,Mrs.Philomena Alodie, Dr. Omietimi Kojo, Ese Izonebi, Ohougha Mathias, James Clinton, Mrs. Linnet Tebepah, Moses Teibowei, Dr. A. Sanayi and Vivian Odiwei.
Mrs. Jonathan’s appointment raised eyebrows in view of her current position as first lady.
Mrs. Jonathan’s appointment raised eyebrows in view of her current position as first lady.
Here are comments from some Prominent People:
Prominent lawyers Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) and Mr Bamidele Aturu have reacted to the development, saying it is was unbelievable that Patience Jonathan who left the service of Bayelsa State in 1999 could be elevated to a position of permanent secretary.
The lawyers said if the story is true, then it smacks the point that Nigeria is in confusion and needs urgent and drastic arrest.
They described it as too condescending and degrading for anyone to contemplate that the first lady would be made permanent secretary in Bayelsa State.
Sagay said: “If that is true, it means there is no longer a limit to which people can descend in Nigeria. Such thing should be too low to contemplate. It looks like degrading oneself.
“It clearly shows that there is no act of sycophancy such a state governor that did the appointment cannot go. It looks ridiculous and uncalled for.
Ahamba stated: “It is very good. I congratulate her on her new job. The whole place is in confusion. Let Nigerians talk about it and count me out of such nonsense. It is a vexation to an innocent spirit and can cause one to vomit. How can it happen?”
Aturu also said: “It is unbelievable. It must be a mistake. If it is true, then, only God can help Nigerians out of it. How can you unnecessarily privatise governance? I am short of words to state my mind. It is shocking because just for the reason that she is the wife of the president, so it is a licence to just go and assume a position anywhere. Nigerians must begin to think of how to take their destiny in their own hands.”
Whats your Opinion of this Appointment?
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