Patience Jonathan returns to Okrika, spotted alighting an Emirates Aircraft yesterday

 

While speculations were rife over the whereabouts of the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, since the March 28 presidential election, which saw President Goodluck Jonathan heroically conceding defeat to  President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, it is confirmed that the first lady had been outside the country from where she returned on Tuesday.

She arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja via Emirates Airlines. While our source could not confirm the country she was coming from when the plane landed at about 5.30p.m. local time, Mrs. Jonathan’s arrival had put to rest the speculation of her whereabout. 

The reason for the trip was however not disclosed. Airport sources said that the Emirate flight which brought her carried regsitration nos: A6-EWH, with over 201 passengers on arrival.

On arrival, the outgoing first lady was briskly escorted to the presidential wing by security officials where three official Mercedez Benz cars were positioned for her. Also, a milk colour bus joined the three Mercedez Benz cars to escort her to the Presidential Villa. 

The source, who confirmed the first lady’s arrival, hinted that unlike the usual large crowd which usually accompany her on both local and oversea trips, this time, it was just a handful of close associates adorning native attires and about two wearing suits and trousers.

Checks revealed that Mrs Jonathan’s last public outing was on March 28 in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, the country home of the president, where she cast her vote in accompany of her husband.

Also speaking on condition of  anonymity, a clergy man familiar with the religious engagements  of the first lady said she was conspicuously absent at last Sunday Easter celebration at the Villa.

The first lady reportedly visited her hometown today later on and she was given an hero’s welcome by her kinsmen in Okrika.