We lost a supportive mother – Jonathan

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan said in Abuja on Monday that his family has lost a supportive benefactor by the death of his mother-in-law, Madam Charity Oba. Jonathan, who described the deceased as a pleasant woman who never complained, made the statement when he received two separate groups who paid condolence visits to the first family at the Presidential Villa.

The groups were a delegation from Bayelsa, led by Gov. Seriake Dickson, and the G-20 Political Group, led by Prof. Jerry Gana.

“Mrs Oba was a lady everyone would want to have as a mother-in-law. Since I married my wife she was supportive, she doesn’t complain no matter what. In fact, my daughter stayed with her till she was grown enough to stay with us at the State House. Your visits are encouragement to us at this time of our grief. It gives us a sense of belonging,” the president said.

Dickson had earlier said that the state was saddened by the loss and commiserated with the first family.

“Whatever touches the first family touches the entire Bayelsa people. So we are here to console our brother (the President), our sister, our wife and daughter on the loss.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time,” the governor said.

On his part, Gana prayed that God’s grace should be sufficient for the president’s family during this period of grief.

It is a sad situation but we have to thank God all the same because the Bible says in everything give thanks,” he said. Gana noted that the first lady was gaining both local and international recognition through her women mobilisation programmes.

It would be recalled that the First Lady’s mother, fondly called Mama Sisi, died in a motor accident on July 15. (NAN)