by Isi Esene
Nigeria’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has made a case for the recognition of the role of the first lady in the nation’s Constitution.
She said this after being sworn-in alongside 17 others as a permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service.
She said if the role of the first lady is constitutionally recognised, it would, “enable the occupier of that position enjoy benefits of the office like their husbands on retirement.”
She tasked the Constitutional Amendment Committee to look into the issue with a view to including it in its recommendation.
Dame Jonathan said: “We the wives of political office holders, if our names are not in the constitution and our husbands retire with benefits, the Constitution amendment committee should also look into the issue of wives of political appointees.
“We should be included in the Constitution so that we too can retire with benefits. With that we can enjoy our career,” she added.
While speaking on the occasion, the governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, warned the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries against involvement in politics and enjoined them to discharge their duties creditably.
We wish the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries well, and hope they all enjoy their careers.
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