Patience Jonathan accused of donating expired rice to Bayelsa women

 

News coming from Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital says that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan distributed expired rice to Bayelsa women.

Dame Jonathan had visited the state on Thursday to distribute empowerment materials to women. The exercise caused a heavy traffic gridlock, paralyzing social and commercial activities on the Yenagoa-Mbiama Road.

Women in the state, who were gathered at the Samson Siasia Stadium at Ovom, Yenagoa received gifts and cheques from the First Lady, who urged them to vote en-masse for her husband, Goodluck Jonathan.

However, news reports alleged that the rice distributed by the First Lady were expired ones.

According to Sahara Reporters, “the MDGs, a United Nations benchmark which is aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger for all citizens, became the basis for a political campaign ground for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a political group affiliated with President Jonathan’s re-election.”

Several bags of rice repackaged in bags branded with Mr. Jonathan’s photos, sewing machines, hair dryers, and tricycles also known as “Keke NAPEP” were distributed to some at the rally.

A DailyPost source in Yenogoa, responding to enquiries, said she heard the rumour but cannot confirm if Dame Jonathan actually distributed rice or whether the rice were expired. She added that what she is sure the First Lady gave out were tricycles.