Nigeria’s ailing First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has undergone surgery in a German hospital, an insider in Aso Rock, the Nigerian seat of power, has said. The information contradicts the official position that Dame Jonathan is resting after a hectic schedule.

According to a Presidency who spoke with the foreign news agency AP (Associated Press), this evening, the First Lady’s situation is beyond food poisoning as earlier reported by the local media, including News Express.

“It is true that the First Lady is ill,” said the source, who pleaded for anonymity. “She was flown to Germany for medical treatment some10 days ago.”

The source said that “initially it was for food poisoning,” adding, however: “We learnt that she underwent surgery last week. I really don’t know the purpose of the surgery.”

Dame Jonathan is believed to be receiving medical attention at Horst Schmidt Klinik, the same clinic where late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once received for kidney-related ailments. She was expected back last week but the hospital insisted on her ful recovery before discharging her, according to the AP report.

Both the First Lady’s spokesman, Ayo Osinlu, and Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, had yesterday evening dismissed Dame Jonathan’s reported illness as a rumour. Though admitting that she travelled to Germany, they kept sealed lips on her whereabouts.

*Photo shows Dame Jonathan.