Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday dropped hints of her narrow escape from death when she thanked God for giving her “a second chance, to come and work with the women of Nigeria, the children and the less privileged.”

The statement directly contradicted her claim that she had not been sick and had not sought medical treatment for the two months she spent incommunicado in Germany. Dame Jonathan further gave the plot away when she spoke of her “trial time” of which she failed to give any details. She at the same time thanked Nigerians who prayed for her, saying that God had heard their prayers.

What was clear from Dame Jonathan’s speech as she spoke with the media yesterday afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on her arrival on a presidential jet was that she had not gone for any rest as claimed by her spokespersons.

Below are excerpts of what the First Lady told the media:

“I am happy to be back in Nigeria. There are a few Nigerians that are saying whatever they like, not what God planned because God has a plan for all of us.

“God has said it all that when two or three are gathered in His name, He will be with them. Nigerians gathered and prayed for me and God listened and heard their prayers, so I thank God for that.

“I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital. God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital. I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned.

“I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, or (went for) any cosmetic surgery, more or less tummy tuck.

“My husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me.

“At the same time, I will use this opportunity to address those who are saying that anybody that goes to the villa or Aso Rock will die.

“They mentioned (Sani) Abacha, they mentioned Stella Obasanjo, they mentioned (Umaru) Yar’Adua and other people. But those people, why didn’t they mention those ones that went there with their families, succeeded and they still came out alive?

“We should remember that Aso Rock is the seat of power and that is where God has ordained that our leaders should rule from, and to rule us right.

“I will use this opportunity to thank my beloved husband, my children, my staff and all Nigerians for standing by me during my trial time.

“God has given me a second chance, to come and work with the women of Nigeria, the children and the less privileged. I have come to serve Nigeria. I have come to work with Nigerians. I am there for them.”

News Express had on Oct. 8 exclusively reported that Dame Jonathan’s ordeal arose from a tummy tuck operation that developed complications and which was apparently undertaken without the consent of her husband.

Update news