by Akan Ido

Dame Patience Jonathan has denied any involvement in the leadership crisis engulfing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The first lady denied backing the factional chairman of the party, Victor Umeh saying any report linking her to the crisis is far from the truth.

Dame patience who reacted to the reports through her spokesman, Ayo Osinlu said she has never met Umeh neither is she interested in the party’s crisis.

“The report quoted factional chairman, Chief Victor Umeh of how he received assurances of support from the First Lady in Abuja regarding a matter before the Court of Appeal in Awka, over the disputed leadership of the party.

“We wish to state categorically that nothing is farther from the truth, as the first lady did not at any time meet with Chief Umeh on any account, least of all the crisis in APGA.

“She therefore takes strong exception to her being dragged into the mud-slinging between the war-lords of APGA.”

Osinlu continued saying the first lady “remains a strong advocate of the rule of law which serves as guarantee to everyone, either weak or strong, can legitimately expect to benefit from justice and equity.”

“I would not be found in any activity or in the company of anyone seeking to pervert the course of justice, he added.

Victor Umeh had reportedly boasted to close associates on May 12 that he met with the first lady in her bedroom in the company of businessman, Ifeanyi Ubah, and Dan Ulasi.

According to reports, the factional APGA chairman said they discussed the case at the Court of Appeal, Awka which the faction had filed against the newly elected leadership of APGA headed by Maxi Okwu.

Umeh was said to have spoken of how the First Lady allegedly informed them that the Acting President of the Appeal Court, Justice Zainab A. Bulkachuwa, is dependent on her and had agreed to help out as a condition for her being confirmed as the Substantive President of the Court.

With allegations and counter-allegations going back and forth, it is difficult to determine who to believe.