Former Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has ruled out the possibility of returning to Aso Rock, expressing her discontent with the challenges of living in the presidential residence where she resided for eight years during her husband Goodluck’s tenure as vice president and subsequently as president from 2007 to 2015.
She assumed the role of First Lady after the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010, following Turai Yar’Adua. At a recent event, she spoke about the difficulties of residing in Aso Rock and indicated her reluctance to return to the seat of power, emphasizing that she feels rejuvenated since departing from her official duties.
Patience Jonathan stated, “If you call me now to return to the Villa, I won’t go there. I won’t go there. Can’t you see how young I am? The stress is too much. If God brings you out of it, you should thank God because it’s marvelous in His eyes. He has taken you there once, and you want to go back? I won’t go. I need peace and love. I want to spread love with you. May God bless us.”
During her tenure, Patience was known for her involvement in state affairs, which presented challenges during her husband’s presidency. Notably, she gained national attention in 2014 for a video showing her questioning officials from the Chibok Secondary School in Borno during the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls.
Following her departure from office in 2015, Patience has transitioned back to private life after 16 years in power, beginning from her husband’s time as deputy and subsequently as governor of Bayelsa State.
“I won't go back to the Aso Villa, the stress of Nigeria is too much” — Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) June 28, 2024