Notwithstanding the official preparation of the federal government to commence the handover ceremonies from Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, plans to host wives of other African leaders to a jamboree on May 15 before she leaves office.
It was gathered that this is her grand design to deny Buhari's wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the hosting rights of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in July aimed at electing a new President.
To Jonathan's wife, the summit to elect new president is one she must superintend before she leaves.
The desperation is so clear. This will be the first time in AFLPM history that an emergency meeting was called to meet transition exigencies.
Nigeria is the major financier of the AFLPM and is currently building an N8b permanent secretariat for the continental NGO.
Mrs Jonathan finished Nigeria’s first term mandate given to her predecessor, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, whose husband, President Umaru Yar’Adua, died in office.
But now she doesn't want Buhari's wife to enjoy the same privilege.
The continent’s first ladies had scheduled their 8th Summit for July, before Mrs Jonathan requested them to bring it forward to May 15, because she would no longer be Nigeria’s first lady by that time.
If the status quo is maintained, it is Hajiya Buhari’s privilege to host the continent’s first ladies in July.
