Akwa Ibom's Governor Eno Vows Continued Honour for Emmanuel, State Leaders

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unequivocally stated his unwavering commitment to showing respect for his immediate predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and all former governors and prominent figures in the state. Governor Eno made this declaration on Saturday during the second memorial service commemorating his late wife and former First Lady, Patience, which took place at the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket Local Government Area.

The governor emphasized that his upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of regard for elders and leaders, a value he affirms will remain with him perpetually. He offered this clarification in response to what he termed misinterpretations circulating about his remarks following a request from the Paramount Ruler of Onna LGA. This incident occurred during the inauguration of a 14-kilometer road in the area. According to Governor Eno, the monarch had appealed for government intervention concerning several defunct industries within the local government, specifically mentioning the syringe factory and a flour mill.

Addressing the controversy surrounding his Ibibio response, Governor Eno explained that the word “Unadot” simply translates to “people” and carries no derogatory meaning. He quoted his own words from the event: “Since he spoke in Ibibio, I responded in Ibibio, that if they have a problem, let them tell us through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who is an indigene there.” He stressed emphatically that his statement was entirely unrelated to his predecessor, highlighting that the state government holds no shares in these private enterprises and cannot arbitrarily interfere without an official invitation.

Further elaborating, Eno asserted, “I never, standing on this altar of God where I have preached for over 20 years, mentioned or had Udom Emmanuel in mind. It didn’t even connect to him because he is not a shareholder in that business.” He buttressed his point by referencing the Efik Hymn Book, stating, “In the Efik Hymn Book, Hymn No. 246, the last stanza has ‘unadod,’ and if this was derogatory, I don’t know how it would have found itself in the songbook. It is an Ibibio word that means ‘the people.’ I was simply referring to the people who own the businesses.” The governor concluded his clarification by stating, “Let me say this for the last time: I will never have a problem with my predecessor. I have shown, both privately and publicly, the respect I have for Deacon Udom Emmanuel. I will never disrespect him or any past leader in this state.”

During the same event, Governor Eno delivered a poignant tribute to his late wife, Patience, describing her as a woman whose life was deeply intertwined with their family's existence, leaving behind an enduring legacy. He remarked, “There are some people whose lives cannot be adequately measured by the number of years they have spent with us. Their presence becomes woven into the fabric of our families. My beloved wife, Kemi, and mother of our children was such a woman.” He reminisced about their 40-year marriage, characterizing it as a bond built on companionship, mutual affection, and faith. He also commended his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for authoring a book titled “The Patience to Build: Lessons from my Mother,” honouring her late mother. The passing of Patience Eno was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, confirming she died on September 26, 2024, in a hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.