Don't Use My Name To Divide Nigeria – Patience Jonathan Warns Media

Patience Jonathan has reacted to what she called as campaign of calumny against her. Her position is contained in a statement issued by her spokesperson, Ayo Adesugba, on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, December 19, This Day newspaper published on its frontpage a report titled "First Lady Threatens PDP Governors Over Tukur."
Commenting the said report, Adesugba stated it made reference to an unnamed source which alleged that the First Lady met with some Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pressed them to support Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the PDP National Chairman, to keep his position.
Patience Jonathan's spokesperson called media professionals to be more mature in reporting and adhere to the basic ethics of journalism by being fair, factual and balanced.

"The article made reference to a vague source with no name. No reporter approached the First
Lady or her office for comments or at least to ascertain the veracity of the story. In that respect, the story was not balanced.
"The language used in the report cannot be called fair. In fact, it should draw consternation from all well meaning individuals as being uncharitable. Words like “haranguing the party’s governors” and “Threatens PDP Governors” are not only untrue but capable of causing disaffection and portraying the First Lady in a bad light, reads the statement.

Adesugba further noted the First lady, as any citizen of Nigeria, is guaranteed the freedom of expression and freedom of association by the Nigerian Constitution.

"For the avoidance of doubt, it must be stated clearly that the First Lady has never harangued or threatened anyone, needless to say, serving governors," he added.

The spokesperson reminded that of the Patience Jonathan's efforts towards a peaceful nation, saying that last Tuesday she led a National Women Fasting and Prayer for Peace and Unity in Nigeria event in Abuja.

"Nobody should, under any guise, use the name of the First Lady to cause division or discord in the nation as she has committed herself to fasting and praying for the peace and unity of Nigeria." he stated.
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