by Kolapo Olapoju

It was the farewell service organised in their honour at the Aso Villa Chapel in Abuja, and the Jonathans came to church prepared to say their last words.

While President Jonathan appeared remorseful and begged for forgiveness, Patience Jonathan, had a few revelations for the congregation.

While speaking at the service, the First Lady spoke on issues bordering on her health.

She also revealed that she required a major operation during the election campaign period, but it however, disappeared after her husband lost the March 28 presidential election.

“Just two years ago, I went through operations upon operations. Within one month, I passed through 12 operations. It is wonderful. Some people said I was dead but God resurrected me.

“During the campaign period, the devil struck again. In pains, I was rushed to a hospital in Germany and the doctors said I had to undergo a major operation.

“I said, again? The electioneering campaign was still going on and I wondered how we were going to explain it to Nigerians. You know, even when you go for a check-up, they will be writing all sorts of things in the papers.

“I said I and my family have to handle this. My husband will continue with his campaign until the last day. That was how I went in for the first major operation in January.

“And by God’s grace I went for the operation and came out. It was from that operation that I went to the campaign ground. Then they said I had to go for another major operation in a bigger hospital. I told them I would go. I said I have faith in God and my God will see me through. He has brought me out for a purpose. I called my pastor to continue praying for me.

“I said again, they wanted me to be a sacrifice, but I will never be. I went to the bigger hospital. I booked for the operation and I was asked to go for the campaign. They gave me a new date.

“I had paid for everything and what remained was for me to enter the theatre. Then something happened. The doctors said, let’s check her again. By then, my husband had lost the election. I had started packing out of the Villa.

“Behold! I went to four hospitals again and the thing vanished. My doctors were surprised. They never thought that could happen.”

“We should be grateful to God for what he has done. To our followers, today it might not be too good but I want them to be grateful to God because you have followed us for a long time. You know this position is not a life-long thing.

“There is no permanent thing. I want you to take it in good faith. That it is the will of God and you should be praising God. God is really wonderful.”