The hopes of thousands of women mobilized for the flag-off
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Bayelsa state by Nigeria’s first
lady, Patience Jonathan, were dashed as they were sent home with nothing
yesterday after policemen tear gassed a couple of them. Some overzealous
security operatives also used batons on the hapless women who were frustrated
for being hoodwinked by Mrs. Jonathan to come for the "empowerment
program" she had claimed was from the MDG, only to be confronted with a
political rally for the president’s re-election. One of the bags of Rice with
expired Rice Sahara Reporters Media
One woman who could not hold her frustration and anger,
Preye Dressman, said the whole thing was deceitful.
"We came from our communities since 5 a.m.; I have not
eaten and stayed under sun and rain, and now they are sending us home with
empty hands.”
A motorist, Stella Honesty, wondered why the President’s
wife was coming to give Bayelsa women empowerment items to the people this late
in her husband’s tenure.
She said, “Is it because general elections are around the
corner? In fact, if I were some people, I will reject any empowerment. Where
was she all this while? Some of us have refused to be deceived by this
political gimmick. Look at the kind of suffering one is going through because
she is coming. Must she create tension each time she visits anywhere? I have
been trapped in this traffic logjam for a long time for a journey that would
not have been more than 30 minutes.” Commuters and motorists who were trapped
in the gridlock created by the visit were seen struggling to make detours.
PHOTONEWS: Patience Jonathan Distributes Expired Rice,
Teargass Bayelsa Women In MDG Scam
The MDGs, a United Nations benchmark which is aimed at
eradicating extreme poverty and hunger for all citizens, became the basis for a
political campaign ground for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Transformation
Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a political group affiliated with President
Jonathan’s re-election. Several bags of rice repackaged in bags branded with
Mr. Jonathan’s photos, sewing machines, hair dryers, and tricycles known also
“Keke NAPEP” were distributed to some at the rally. However, several of the
women left empty-handed.
A cursory investigation showed that most of the items,
especially food items, had expired, and most them were later diverted to
Peoples Democratic Party politicians for onward distribution exclusively to
their followers.
Mrs. Jonathan, who was formerly a civil servant in the
state, resigned a few weeks ago even though she had never shown up for a single
day of work before and after Governor Seriake Dickson promoted her to the
position of permanent secretary.(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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