The Office of the Wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State has dismissed allegations of misconduct and blackmail leveled against the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, describing them as “false, misleading and driven by ulterior motives.”
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In a press statement issued by her Press Secretary, Maria Olodi-Osumah, the office faulted claims made on social media by one Livinus Nwosu, who accused the First Lady of mishandling the case involving an alleged assault on Miss Nancy Wilfred.
According to the statement, the First Lady’s intervention in the matter was borne out of genuine concern. “Her Excellency, as a mother, took a sincere interest in the case to ensure that Nancy received proper medical attention and justice against her abusers,” the statement noted.
It further explained that following initial engagements with the victim and Mr. Nwosu, the First Lady directed the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) to take custody of Nancy after she underwent medical examinations at the Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital.
However, the statement alleged that Mr. Nwosu, who initially presented himself as a supporter, “was suspected to have a sinister motive aimed at exploiting public sympathy for financial gain.”
The First Lady’s office also refuted claims that she handed N15,000 to the victim and her mother, describing the allegation as “a pure lie.” It clarified that the amount was provided by the GRIT Chairman strictly as transport fare, with a promise of further assistance at a later date.
Providing further insight, the statement disclosed that the First Lady had offered Nancy an educational scholarship, which was declined. “She instead requested substantial financial support to establish a business, allegedly upon the advice of Mr. Nwosu,” it said.
The office also revealed discrepancies in Nancy’s academic claims, noting that she was not a student of the University of Port Harcourt as earlier presented, thereby stalling the proposed scholarship.
On the legal aspect of the case, the statement indicated that weeks after the arraignment of the alleged assaulters, Nancy and her mother reportedly opted for an out-of-court settlement valued at N10 million—an agreement that was never fulfilled.
Contrary to allegations of abandonment, the statement maintained that “Nancy was never abandoned,” adding that after the initial court adjournment, neither she nor her mother made further contact with the GRIT.
Addressing the ongoing legal dispute, the office emphasized that the First Lady does not wield influence over judicial processes. “Dr. Gloria Diri does not have the powers to direct court proceedings. The matter should be allowed to follow due process,” the statement read.
It concluded by urging Mr. Nwosu to defend himself in court rather than resorting to what it described as “cheap blackmail through social media.”
The statement reaffirmed the First Lady’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting justice, while cautioning the public against being swayed by unverified narratives.
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