The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has strongly condemned the recent wave of criticism targeted at former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, over her public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, and National Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, the group described the attacks as unwarranted and baseless, asserting that the former First Lady is entitled to her political choices like every other Nigerian.
“Mrs Jonathan, like any citizen, has the constitutional and natural right to support any politician of her choice,” the statement read. “There is freedom of choice guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution and natural laws. What the former First Lady, Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan did was to exercise that right of choice.”
The group emphasized that those opposing her political stance should respect her decision and focus on promoting their preferred candidates.
“Anyone who is not comfortable with her choice is also at liberty to pitch a tent with any other politician of their choice. Those against her should have a rethink and allow Dame Patience to be,” the group added.
Ohanaeze Youths described Dame Jonathan as “one of the finest and most compassionate First Ladies Nigeria has ever produced,” praising her enduring popularity and philanthropic commitment, especially to the underprivileged.
“Her passion and commitment towards the welfare of the downtrodden in this country remains unparalleled,” the statement noted. “She commands widespread respect across all regions of Nigeria, a testament to her legacy even years after leaving office.”
The group further urged Mrs Jonathan to ignore detractors, describing them as individuals paid to attack political figures on social media.
“We encourage Dame Jonathan to remain focused and disregard those whose tactics rely on social media abuse to suppress differing political views,” the statement concluded.
