Why Patience Jonathan Was Appointed Perm Sec

“We want to place it on record that His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, is convinced firstly, that wives of governors, vice presidents, Presidents and all other spouses whose positions are not recognized by the laws of the country and are not funded by the government should be encouraged and supported to pursue and maintain their independent careers."

The Bayelsa State government said the appointment of Dame Patience Jonathan, as a permanent secretary is in recognition of her services to the state and nation, coupled with the fact that she was on a directorate level officer in its civil service.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, “unknown to a number of people, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, joined the Rivers State Civil Service in the 90s, and upon the election of her husband as Deputy Governor in 1999, transferred her service to the civil service of Bayelsa State.

"She rose through the ranks of the public service of Bayelsa State and was last appointed into the directorate cadre as a Level 15 officer in 2005”.

This clarification, Bayelsa state government believes, is necessary because of the criticisms which trailed the inclusion of the First Lady’s name in the list public servants appointed perm secs on July 11.