President Goodluck Jonathan has said that occupants of the offices of the first lady across the nation “are not spending government money,” even though the platform has become veritable means of mobilising women for national development. The President’s position was a response to the complaints on social media that the offices constitute unnecessary burden to government, as they have become avenues through which public resources are frittered away.
The President, in an argument tweeted by his Special Assistant on New Media, Reno Omokri, said, “I can tell you that these offices (of first ladies) are helping to mobilise the women.” He boasted that his administration had made remarkable achievements in women empowerment, with several women getting key political appointments.
“Nigerian women, I don’t believe that you are designed by God to pound yam for me, to be a baby factory,” he said.