Patience Jonathan Arrives Abuja Aboard Emirates Airlines
Dele Ogbodo 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 THISDAY can authoritatively confirm that the first lady 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 yesterday had put to rest the speculation of her whereabout.
The reason for the trip was however not disclosed.
Airport sources told THISDAY 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.
THISDAY 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 with THISDAY 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.