Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, returned to the country on Wednesday after spending about seven weeks abroad.

Mrs. Jonathan arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from a foreign country widely believed to be Germany. She returned in one of the aircraft in the Presidential Fleet

As soon as she alighted from the aircraft, she denied media reports that she went abroad for cosmetic surgery. She also denied being an in-patient in a German hospital on account of a terminal disease, adding that her husband loved her physique.

She said, “I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital. God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital. I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned.

“I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, or (went for) any cosmetic surgery, more or less tummy tuck.

“My husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me.”

The wife of the President, whose dressing was devoid of the usual heavy jewellery, said that the prayers of Nigerians sustained her during what she called her “period of trial”.

She said, “I am happy to be back in Nigeria. There are a few Nigerians that are saying whatever they like, not what God planned because God has a plan for all of us.

“God has said it all that when two or three are gathered in His name, He will be with them. Nigerians gathered and prayed for me and God listened and heard their prayers, so I thank God for that.”

She said, “I will use this opportunity to thank my beloved husband, my children, my staff and all Nigerians for standing by me during my trial time.

“God has given me a second chance, to come and work with the women of Nigeria, the children and the less privileged. I have come to serve Nigeria. I have come to work with Nigerians. I am there for them.”

At the residence of the first couple inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the atmosphere was no less joyous.

President Jonathan and his mother, Eunice, led members of his household, staff of Women For Change Initiative, a pet project of the President’s wife, as well as presidential aides to receive her.

Except for the President who was dressed in his usual Niger Delta traditional attire, other members of the household wore T-shirts bearing different images of Patience.

Messages such as “We love you”, “We miss you”, “Welcome back” and “May you live long” were inscribed on the shirts.

via Punch