Patience Jonathan stops Aisha Buhari from using Benin Stadium

Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole has intervened to settle what could have become a major affront between First Lady, Patience Jonathan and Aisha Buhari.

The pair were somehow, billed to use the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday, March 14, for their respective rallies.
The APC had applied first and received approval, after which the PDP also applied, and were also given approval for the usage of the stadium on the same day.

A clash was imminent, but the Edo state governor waded in and ordered that the APC take the high road and allow PDP use the stadium.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, explained on behalf of Oshiomhole.

“The mix-up was occasioned by the laxity on the part of the officials of the Ministry of Sports who, without reference to their supervisors, proceeded to collect money and issue receipt only yesterday (Tuesday) to PDP for use of the stadium knowing fully well that APC had last week applied and received approval for the use of same facility on Saturday.”

“In fact, jingles were already running on local television and radio stations announcing that the wife of APC’s presidential candidate would be in Benin that day to deliver the message of change to Edo women.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that being the owner of the said facility, Edo State Government reserves the right to insist that the party that got approval first would use the stadium.”

“In the circumstance, we imagine the idle denizens of Edo PDP must by now be salivating at the prospects of having an opportunity to unleash mayhem on peace-loving people of Edo State with the excuse that money was collected from them. But we are civilized people.”

“In deference to the office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has graciously directed that Mrs. Patience Jonathan have her day on Saturday while the wife of the APC presidential candidate will have her turn another day.”