Disquiet as Patience Jonathan shuns Emir of Ilorin
There is disquiet in the political circle over the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan's wife, Patience to snub the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gmbari, during her campaign tour of Kwara State ahead of the general elections.
Mrs Jonathan was in Ilorin on Tuesday to address the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s Women rally convened to solicit votes for her husband who is seeking a re-election on the platform of the PDP.
Jonathan is fighting hard to retain his seat in a fierce contest between him and flag bearer of the major opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the rescheduled presidential poll of March 28.
The Herald learnt that the Emir had prepared to receive the first lady in his palace amid tight security provided by a combined team of Soldiers, Police, Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Service, only for them to wait in vain for the august visitor.
A source told The Herald reporter that Patience Jonathan snubbed the Emir of Ilorin following unpredictable security climate that she might be humiliated despite the heavy presence of security personnel at the Emir's palace.
There were also fears that the treatment meted out to wife of the APC presidential candidate, Hajia Aisha Buhari whose convoy was attacked at the Film House near Emir's Palace may be visited on Mrs Jonathan.
The Herald recalls that Hajia Buhari's motorcade was attacked on Monday by suspected hoodlums resulting in the destruction of about ten vehicles.
Speaking with The Herald reporter, the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr. Femi Yusuf, confirmed that Patience Jonathan did not visit the Emir's palace during her visit to the state.
When contacted on telephone, the Liaison Officer, Kwara State chapter of Women for Change and Development Initiative, Hon (Mrs) Ebun Oyeleye, said the body was only co-opted in the organization of the rally and referred The Herald reporter to the Coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organization in the state.
She also added that the female oil magnate, Hajia Muinat Bola Shagaya, would also be in better position to respond to the allegation that Mrs Jonathan deliberately snubbed the Emir of Ilorin during her campaign visit to the state.
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
NSCIA Abioye Bello Egbejila Yakubu Mohammed Abdullahi Sherif Sagaya Pilgrims Board Ajuloopin SAPZ Project PPS Sheriff Olanrewaju Alapansapa Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Ilesha Gwanara Road Government House Tsaragi Olatunde Olukoya Col. Taiwo Ramadhan ANCOPPS Federal College Of Education (Special), Afon Kunle Akogun Kwara 2019 Bamikole Omishore Folorunsho Erubu Tunji Ajanaku Bayo Lawal Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore Oloyede Ilorin Amusement Park Al-Ilory Gobir Yunus Lawal Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Union Florence Saraki Olatunde Jare Emir Of Lafiagi Bolaji Aladie Sheikh Hamzat Yusuf Ariyibi Dankaka Kayode Yusuf Ashiru Isiaka Rafiu Mope ARMTI Alloy Chukwuemeka Vasolar Consortium Babaloja-General Ballah Bayer Nigeria Limited Tunde Yusuf Metro Park Oja-Oba Akom Construction And Engineering Synergy Ltd SARS Kale Belgore Sa\'adu Salau Olayinka Oladapo Jogunola Kwara State Government Amuda Aluko Saduki Lafiagi Afolayan Lawyers Unite Against Corruption Omotosho Toyin Falola Haliru Yahaya Orisa Bridge RTEAN Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory Yahaya Muhammad Afonja Descendants Union Lawal Olohungbebe Garment Factory Folashade Omoniyi Offa Poly Ilorin South Razaq Atunwa Third Estate Elerin Of Adanla Irese