The first lady thanks Nigerians for their prayers

In an arrival speech made in the absence of many reporters who were not allowed to the airport tarmac – where the speech was reportedly made- the first lady, Patience Jonathan, has denied being admitted to hospital for “any cosmetic surgery, more or less tummy tuck.”

Several Nigerian media, quoting hospital and presidency sources reported that Mrs. Jonathan was admitted in a German hospital, the Horst Schmidt Klinik in Wiesbaden, Germany, an assertion the first lady has now denied.

“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,” Mrs. Jonathan is reported to have said, while addressing a few well- wishers at the airport tarmac.

Tens of others who were waiting outside the tarmac left disappointed as they could not meet her.

The first lady did not however say if she was admitted to any other hospital for  any treatment.

Mrs. Jonathan also mentioned the illnesses she was not treated for, but did not disclose the reason for her prolonged stay in Germany.

“I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, or rather any cosmetic surgery, more or less tummy-tuck. My husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me,” she said.

She thanked Nigerians who prayed for her while she was away saying “Nigerians gathered and prayed for me and God listened and heard their prayers, so I thank God for that.”

The first lady also condemned some statements allegedly made by some Nigerians on the successful completion of the tenure of some former occupants of the presidential villa.

“I will use this opportunity to tell those few ones that are saying that anybody that goes to villa or Aso Rock will die. They mentioned Abacha, they mentioned Stella Obasanjo, they mentioned Yar’Adua and other people.

“But those people why didn’t they mention those ones that went there with their families and succeeded and they still came out alive,” she said.

Mrs. Jonathan, who thanked the president, her children, and her staff for standing by said she was happy to be back in the country.

“God has given be a second chance to come and work with women of Nigeria, children and the less privileged.

“I have come to save Nigeria, I have come to work with Nigerians, I am there for them. Once more I am pleased to be back. I love Nigerians they are my family,” she said.