Former militants in the Niger Delta have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to leave Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, alone.
The ex-agitators described the prosecution of Mrs. Jonathan as a ploy to ridicule the people of the oil-rich region.
Speaking under the auspices of the Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Forum, the ex-fighters warned that they would react in a manner that might not be in the interest of the nation if the former first lady was not left alone.
The President of NDEF, Prince A. Hornby, told journalists in Port Harcourt that there was nothing wrong if the wife of a former President decided to own a non-governmental organisation.
Hornby said, “Non-governmental organisations are for the empowerment of the people. How many first ladies of Nigeria did not have NGOs while in office? How many of them do not own properties?
“Why should Dame Jonathan be the target for harassment and public ridicule? Her NGO’s office complex was demolished without following the due process of the law. This is capable of igniting tension in the Niger Delta.
“The target on Dame Patience Jonathan is aimed at ridiculing the people of the region, which produces the bulk of our nation’s wealth. We are saying that this harassment should stop immediately.”
The president of the forum, however, noted that though there was nothing wrong in fighting corruption, such a fight should begin with former first ladies of the country since independence.
He added, “We shall no longer tolerate this vindictive fight against our daughter and mother and her family. President Muhammadu Buhari should caution the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, immediately.”
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