Dame Patience Jonathan tells Abians she is delighted that their state no longer stinks

FORMER first lady Dame Patience Jonathan has paid the people of Abia State a veiled tribute saying that their streets no longer stink as they once did and their environment is no longer the terrible eyesore it once was.

Dame Jonathan's husband Dr Goodluck Jonathan was Nigeria's president between 2009 and 2015, during which period, Abia was the filthiest state in the country. Aba, the state's largest city in particular, was a health hazard as refuse was piled up on street corners and whenever it rained, roads became impassable.

So bad was the situation that on one instance, the city's lawyers all took to the streets pleading with the governor to address the problem. As a result of the outcry, successive governments have sought to address the problem and this week, Dame Jonathan remarked about the improvements that have been seen.

Speaking at Nosy in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, at the home of Governor Alex Otti, Dame Jonathan said that before he assumed office, the streets of Abia State were dirty and stinking. She added that her visit was to congratulate Governor Otti on his victory during the elections and also to pay a visit to Abia State, where she has maternal roots.

Dame Jonathan said: “This is my home and I have come to visit my brother, my governor, in whom I’m well pleased. He’s my mentor. When I was in government, he supported me as a brother, so I have come to share experience with him and to tell him congratulations and well done.

“Abia is our home. Anytime, any day he calls me, I will be there for him. He is doing very, very well. He started well and I know he will end well. You can see that there is no dirt again in Abia State.

"You can see all the roadwork going on. You can drive around and there is no dirt, no smell anywhere and you can breathe fresh air. That’s why I’m here to tell him congratulations.”

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the former first lady for visiting and sharing her experience in government with him. He then prayed for God to bless her and her husband, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.