It’s a tradition for the First Lady to be accompanied by several state First Ladies, wives of service chiefs, government officials and her retinue of friends. But the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan never ceases to amaze everyone with the long list of her sisters and friends before her speeches.
Of such ‘loyal’ associates are Mrs. Bola Shagaya and wife of the Senate President, Helen Mark.
Though Dame Jonathan refers to all governors’ wives as her sisters, there seems to be a bond between her and Mrs. Mark, who attends any function, private or public, with her. They are said to be very good friends and Mark, renowned to always shy away from the press, has always been on Patience’s good books.
Bola Shagaya, the billionaire businesswoman, who owns one of the largest posh estates in Abuja, was said to have been close to the Jonathans when the President was still Bayelsa State deputy governor.