Jonathan arrives Paris after private visit to Germany

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Patience; little Miss Awele Njokama, who presented flower to the president; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and Nigerian Ambassador to France, Hakeem Suleiman, during the arrival of the President at the Le Bourget Airport, Paris for the Elysee Summit on Peace and Security in Africa… on Friday.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday arrived Paris, France after his two-day private visit to Germany.

Jonathan, who arrived in company with his wife, Patience, is in the country to participate in the Summit on Peace and Security in Africa.

Although the nature of his private visit to Germany was not disclosed, there were indications during the week that he and his wife would undergo medical checks. An online report claimed that they both checked into a German hospital.

The President and his wife, who were both decked in winter jackets, were received at the airport by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Muhammed Nurudeen.

They were accompanied by some presidential aides and security chiefs.

They did not show any sign of ill-health.

Spokesman of the President’s wife, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, later issued a statement indicating that Mrs. Jonathan attended First Ladies’ meeting at the Elysee Summit for Peace and Security in Africa with the theme “Acts Of Sexual Violence Against Women In Africa” hosted by the First Lady of France, Ms. Valerie Trierweiler.

The statement quoted Mrs. Jonathan, in her remarks at the event, as describing the late President of South Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela, as an icon of peace for humanity.

She said Mandela’s life as an epitome of peace and compassion reflects the principles of the African First Ladies Peace Mission which she chairs.

The statement read, “Dame Jonathan  stated that the late South African President, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 jointly with Frederik Willem de Klerk, was a great bridge for promoting peace because of his forgiving spirit and also because he lived his life in a way that respected and enhanced the freedom of others.

“She stated that as a proponent of peace, justice and social inclusion, Dr. Mandela was a towering iconic figure in life and an even greater figure in death.

“The AFLPM President  noted that the late Dr. Mandela is indeed a hero of all time who was held in the highest esteem by not only people on the African continent, but the entire world.

“She said that Dr. Mandela would be greatly missed but observed that his impact would be felt forever. She added that the activities of the AFLPM would continue to draw inspiration from the remarkable life of Dr. Mandela.”

The African First Ladies Peace Mission, which is open to all first ladies of Africa, has the mandate of conflict prevention and management, as well as the making, keeping and building of peace through various means including civil, humanitarian and diplomatic action.