The resignation of Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, where she was controversially appointed the Permanent Secretary in 2007, signals the beginning of a bigger war between her and her estranged political godson, Governor Seriake Dickson, a competent source has disclosed.

The source, a senior official of the ministry, said: “Her resignation appears to be political. It appears Mama Peace is not happy with the governor. With her resignation, the battle-line has been drawn.”

The source further disclosed that the ministry has computed the terminal benefits of Dame Jonathan, alias Mama Peace, but declined to disclose the sum.

As reported two days ago by News Express and some other media, Dame Jonathan’s resignation is the culmination of a political disagreement with Gov. Dickson, who attracted much criticism when he appointed her Perm Sec in July 2012 – barely five months into his administration.

At 57, Dame Jonathna had three more years to work as a civil servant before reaching the compulsory retirement age but she chose to leave the service voluntarily due to what sources described as irreconcilable differences with Dickson.

•Photo shows Dame Patience Jonathan.