Former Nigerian first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is a political enigma

– Her political consciousness was visible during her time in office

– Mrs Jonathan might proceed to the Senate in 2019

Multiple sources in Rivers state have told NAIJ.com that former Nigerian first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is under pressure to contest for the Rivers East senatorial election in 2019.

Mrs Jonathan, 59, is from Okirika in Rivers state and is eligible to contest for elections in the state as well as that of her husband; Bayelsa constitutionally.

One of the source told NAIJ.com that a team of politicians have already started mobilising themselves for the task ahead.

His words: ”There is already a team on ground working towards achieving this objective. Mummy (Mrs Jonathan) is aware and has not told them to stop which means she is okay with the idea.

”The team has started reaching out to influential leaders in Rivers East senatorial district and beyond to ensure that their plans come to fruition.”

Another source who spoke to NAIJ.com on the rumour confirmed the plans.

”The plan is on course. In fact, we have people joining us on a daily basis because many know this is a done deal.

”Mama Peace is no push over in Rivers politics and her entrance into the political fray will only boost the chances and image of the PDP.

”To be honest, she hasn’t said anything, but the pressure on her is enormous that I doubt if she will be able to reject it,” he said.

Asked if the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former first lady won’t affect her chances, the source said the she is only being persecuted.

His words: ”The case has even made her more popular because we all know she is being victimised and the allegations by the EFCC are untrue.”

Popularly called ‘Mama Peace’, Mrs Jonathan has been neck deep into the politics of Rivers state since the days of Rotimi Amaechi as governor.

Political analysts won’t be surprised at her entrance into politics as she has always been at the periphery of political movements.

The former first lady also enjoys a mutual relationship with the Rivers state governor, Nyesome Wike, who by virtue of his position, is the political leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Efforts to reach her spokespersons as at the time of this report proved abortive.

Naij

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