Nigeria’s First Lady Speaks
AllAfrica.com is paying homage to the First Ladies who literally stand beside their men. It is not always common for a wife to accompany her husband along an entire campaign trail, but there are a few (Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady Michelle Obama and Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke) who are exceptions. In the first interview, allafrica.com reporter Gabriella Osamar speaks with Dame Jonathan. Below is an excerpt of the interview.
Style Editor, Ruth Osime, spent two unforgettable days with Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan and suffice it to say, it was a wonderful experience. Enter into the world of this captivating, vibrant, cheerful, affectionate and heartwarming “mother of the people” as she talks about her life and aspirations which, in my books, have won her the well deserved title of ‘Queen of Hearts’!
One endearing trait about you is that you seem to be down to earth. Is this something you inherited from one of your parents?
I believe in saying the truth and being myself at all times. I could say I inherited this trait from my parents. They taught me that the greatest thing in life is holding on to the truth.
When you are truthful, you will say things the way they are. Being truthful also means being straightforward. You could say I am blunt to a fault because I hate pretence. I am what you see me as, not a copy of another.
You also seem at ease even when making public speeches; did you grow up in a very active household?
Some people see public speaking as an act or a performance. In acting or performance, you act or mimic someone’s style or manner of speaking. I speak naturally. And because I speak straight from my heart, it comes naturally. While growing up, my parents encouraged sharing of views.
They did not impose their views on us. They only gave us guidance. So, I found myself growing up as a free human being, free to express my view on anything at any time. And I don’t hold back my opinion when I feel strongly about anything.
Who was the most influential person in your life while growing up?
Naturally as a female, it was my mother. Girls are naturally close to their mothers because they get to learn a lot about home making and management as well as how to cope with life generally from them.
Do you have fond memories of your childhood?
Yes. Everyone has fond memories of growing up. I grew up in a lovely family. My parents were not rich, but they were also not poor. They gave us lots of love and affection. I grew up in a riverine community. My people practiced fishing and farming. I was part of that life; joining the family in fishing and farming.
How did you meet your husband?
We first met at the Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt where I was a student. He was my Biology lecturer. Later he left for the University of Port Harcourt to pursue his PhD. We met again at the University of Port Harcourt when I went for my undergraduate degree. That was where our relationship began. He took interest in me because I was a brilliant and smart student. It was love at first sight on his part. But it never crossed my mind that it would lead to a serious relationship. My first impression of him was “this tall, dark, handsome young man.” Further interaction with him revealed that he came from a good Christian home, just like I did. His humble and gentle disposition caught my attention; and most importantly, his intelligence.
What endearing trait did he have that convinced you that he was the one for you?
As I said earlier, what attracted me to him was that he was God fearing, handsome, intelligent, calm and humble.
Politics is a very slippery road to follow; sometimes filled with unforeseen challenges that would break even the strongest of men. When he chose to take this path initially, how did you feel about it?
What a man or woman will be in life has been pre-destined. You know he never set out to be a politician. He set a small target for himself but God chose a big one for him. I think it was destiny that sought him out. After teaching for a while, he left to join OMPADEC as an Assistant Director. It was while there he was invited to contest as running mate to Chief DSP Alameiseigha who was contesting the governorship of Bayelsa State.
I never doubted my husband’s decisions because as a good Christian, he seeks God’s guidance and favour in whatever he sets out to do. We prayed and sought God’s guidance when the opportunity came for him to contest alongside Chief Alameisegha. God never abandoned us as everything he did since then has been successful.
Yes, there was a time I felt he should quit politics. That was during the crisis involving Chief Alameisegha. It was the most trying period for the family because when someone close to you has a problem, you have the problem too.
But because God had destined that he would reach the pinnacle of his career, we overcame the storm and he became the Governor of Bayelsa State. From there, he became Vice President and here he is today as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Naturally, I should be a part of anything my husband is involved in because if he is successful, I am successful. Since he joined politics, I have always stayed by him, even going round to campaign with him. Thus, when the presidential election campaign came, it was a continuation of what I had been doing.
For the full interview click here.