www.elombah.com/index.php/articles-mainmenu/12142-is-the-office-of-the-first-lady-of-nigeria-constitutional

'I prefer to be called the wife of the president of Nigeria than the First Lady' - AISHA Buhari... -

www.1push.com.ng/i-prefer-to-be

"Apparently, there was controversy following the recommendation of the scrapping of the Office of the First Lady (Governors and President) by the Presidential Committee on the Review under the Chairmanship of Justice Alfa Belgore. The operation and funding both in kind and cash of the office at all levels of government should be discouraged and abolished."

The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan snubbed the recommendations inspite the fact that it is unconstitutional. But all eyes are up as no one could predict the fate of this in-coming Buhari administration regarding functionality of the OFFICE OF FIRST LADY.

First Lady however is an unofficial title used for the wife or hostess of a male head of state or chief executive, including the wife of the President

It is pertinent to state that all the First Ladies before Mrs. Maryam Babangida had always maintained very low profile. However, Mrs. Maryam Babangida brought a lot of pomp, style and glamour to the Office of the First Lady and during her time enormous financial resources were allocated to the Office.


Since 1985 in Nigeria, first ladies have been more influential and active both politically and in terms of social hostess.

As supportive wives, first ladies influence the presidents in not only personal and public life, but also in political career and social attitude. Political influences include presidents’ speech writing and editing, policy advising and advocating, electing presidential appointment and campaigning. First ladies also have so called “Pillow” influences.

What’s more, first ladies bring about impacts on the social attitude toward women. Since first ladies play an important role in presidential spouse, they have some political activism such as pet projects, substantive policy issues, public support, ceremonial and social functions.

OPINIONS: Do You Support The Scrap?


PREVIOUS NIGERIA FIRST LADIES

Flora Azikiwe
1 October 1963 16Jan1966

Victoria Aguiyi- Ironsi
16 January 1966 -29 July 1966

Victoria Gowon
1 August 1966- 29 July 1975

Ajoke Mohammed
29 July 1975 -13 February 1976

Esther Oluremi Obasanjo
13 February 1976 -1 October 1979

No First Lady, polygamist (Shagari)
1 October 1979 -31 December 1983

Safinatu Buhari
31 December 1983- 27 August 1985

Maryam Babangida
27 August 1985- 26 August 1993

Margaret Shonekan
26 August 1993 - 17Nov 1993

Maryam Abacha
17 November 1993 - 8 June 1998

Fati Lami Abubakar
8 June 1998 - 29 May 1999

Stella Obasanjo
29 May 1999 -23 October 2005
(Died in office)

Office vacant
23 October 2005 -29 May 2007

Turai Yar'Adua
29 May 2007 -9 February 2010

Patience Jonathan (acting)
9 February 2010- Present.