The sources say Mrs. Jonathan, who is also a Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State civil service, was airlifted to the hospital by an air ambulance in midweek under emergency medical conditions.
Presidency sources stated that the emergency airlift departed for Wisbanden, Germany, but it is not clear if her treatment was being undertaken in that city. They said she was only able to speak earlier today, four days after her arrival, because the illness had been so severe that she lost her voice.
Our sources could not say when she will return to the country. Nigeria's political leaders and their families routinely seek expensive medical attention abroad, an irony occasioned by their failure to develop the same facilities at home. In the past few years, two former First Ladies have died on foreign hospital beds.
But the special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati has denied reports indicating that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was indisposed and flown abroad for proper medical attention.
While responding to reports which emanated from an online news platform, Abati said the story "was a rumour and there is nothing like that".
According to reports from the first lady's spokesman, Ayo Osinlu, Dame Patience Jonathan did actually travel abroad, but she was only away to take a "moment's rest" given that she has not taken a rest since President Jonathan's election last year.
"If you look at her itinerary in August, you will be wondering how she was able to accomplish that. In the course of this week she will be back home. But remember, it all depends on her plans," he concluded.
In earlier reports, the first lady suffered from food poisoning and was transported in an air ambulance to Wisbanden in Germany for proper medical attention.
His prompt response to the widespread speculation is intended to put the rumour to rest but observers remain skeptical about the quality of information emanating from the seat of government.
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