Former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Wednesday sought the protection of the House of Representatives against alleged harassment by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The former President’s wife laid a petition before the House in Abuja, complaining that her fundamental human rights were infringed upon by the anti-graft agency.
A Peoples Democratic Party member of the House from Delta State, Mr. Lovette Idisi, had submitted the petition on behalf of Jonathan’s wife.
Idisi, while conveying the complaints of Mrs. Jonathan to the House, said under the Nigerian constitution, mere allegations did not amount to guilt until a proper conviction by a competent court of law.
He added, “This petition is in line with Section 36 where every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Speaker, the constant harassment of the former first lady is in a petition emanating from her that was sent to my office.
“With the leave of the House, I seek your permission to lay the petition before the House.”
The Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Petitions for hearing.
It is expected that the former President’ wife will come to the National Assembly when invited, to defend the petition.
