First Lady Patience Jonathan has denied allegations that she has anointed Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi as the gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the State.
This was contained in a statement issued by her media assistant, Mr Ayo Adewuyi, in Abuja.
The statement read “It has again come to our notice that some politicians who are desperate to score cheap political points have connived to tarnish the image of the first lady, Patience Faka Jonathan, by roping her into the Ebonyi PDP crisis.
“We consider it absurd that any person will assume that the first lady would make such a request considering the fact that she has continued to preach for peaceful conduct of all aspirants before, during and after elections.”
“Let us state once again that the first lady is not an elected official of the state, neither is she a party functionary. She therefore recognises very clearly her place in the scheme of things. Let it be known that the first lady has no hand in the selection of the party’s candidates in any state and definitely not in Ebonyi. If anything, she has continued the gospel of peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of 2015 elections.’
“She only preaches peace because she is a mother of peace. To therefore allege that the first lady insisted that the Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, must be the gubernatorial candidate of the party against the wish of the people and the party is to say the least subjudice.”
The Statement also held that the National Working Committee of the Party is working to restore peace in the state chapter of the party.