Patience Jonathan resigns as permanent secretary in Bayelsa

First lady, Patience Jonathan, 57, has resigned her appointment as a permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service.

Mrs. Jonathan, whose appointment in the Bayelsa state civil service in July 2012, sparked outrage, has voluntarily resigned, following the rift between her and Governor Seriake Dickson.

A presidential who spoke to Punch newspaper said, “The whole thing is political. It appears Madam Peace is not happy with the governor. With her resignation, the battle-line has been drawn.

“I feel the President’s wife resigned to enable her to have the moral right to slug it out with Dickson ahead of the governorship poll in the state. Let no one deceive you, the whole thing is politics. After all, she is 57 and the retirement age is 60.”

Another high ranking official of the ministry who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development saying, “I can say Dame Patience Jonathan has voluntarily retired. But whether there is political undertone in her resignation, I cannot say.

“I think the First Lady felt that her continued stay as Permanent Secretary will be depriving others.

“Already, in accordance with the civil service rules, we have prepared all her entitlements. Whatever is due her will be given to her. She will also be receiving her pension.”