Yes, the wicked can have only accomplices, the voluptuous have companions in debauchery, self-seekers have associates, the politic assemble the factions, the typical idler has connections, princes have courtiers. Only the virtuous have great family and friends.
True. A studious glance at Jibola Ponle and her family and friends, affirms the notion that the people we get along with, trust, feel simpatico with, are the strongest links in our networks. Judging by their bond and quality of their private and public interaction, it may be safe to say that they are connected in ways that defies the cutthroat politics of the world they inhabit.
Jibola Ponle, the Lagos Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, understands this priceless fact hence her predilection for modesty and unabashed humility. The very hardworking lady who is reputed for her quiet demeanour effortlessly exudes dignity and class.
The union of Ajibola and her husband, Michael Ponnle, might be undergoing some strain, the Ponnle extended family would rather find blame on breakdown in communication than agree with some bloggers who heaped the blame on the highly cerebral Ajibola.
Dismissing the online reports as figment of the bloggers’ infertile imagination which was evidently sponsored by mischief makers, the family expressed their broken-heartedness at the wicked attempts to deliberately soil the image of the innocent commissioner.
“We make clear to say the absurd narrative is a gross distortion of facts and demonstrated a lack of integrity and decency by the perpetrators,” the family said in a statement released yesterday.
The family came out in unmistakable terms vouching for the unblemished character of their daughter-in-law and sister-in-law, Ajibola. In a manner reminiscent of a wife who has found favour before her in-laws, the Ponnles were full of flowery praises for her.
“Ajibola (Sister Jibs as fondly referred to by my lovely wife) is a wonderful woman, wife, mother, sister, colleague, mentor and friend. She is intelligent, honest, hardworking and above all is faithful in her service to God and mankind.
“She exudes humility, respect and integrity which is evident to all including members of the nuclear and extended Ponnle family. This is why we cannot keep quiet and watch her good image being maliciously smeared in the public.
“As a wife we saw her as diligent. She served our entire family, always tolerant and accommodating. She walked tall and earned the respect of all. She sacrificed her career as a Chartered Accountant which was promising and successful to start self employment in order to have more time for her family. She’s obedient and thoughtful, content, and selfless. She was an example our late mother referenced always to my wife,” the family said.
“These are twisted tales and sadly we know the source of this deliberate attempt to pay the media in a smear campaign to assassinate Ajibola Ponnle’s character.
“Consequently, we boldly claim that the impression being circulated about Ajibola is FALSE and is intended by enemies of great deeds and progress who lack the capacity and ability to do what is right and make the right decisions.
“Typically, through it all, she has kept her dignity with silence, prayer and hard work. She has refused to let the happenings around her phase her. Ajibola’s story and professional career is unblemished, a champion of many ‘firsts’ (her profile speaks for itself).
“Our late mother, Comfort Olufunke Ponnle was very fond of her and loved her so dearly. We will, as such, always be proud of her and achievements and stand by her,” the family assured.
