President Tinubu, Top Officials, Nigerians Commiserate with Governor Umo Eno Over Wife’s Demise
Okon Bassey in Uyo, Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, James Sowole in Abeokuta, and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, following the death of his wife and First Lady, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umoh Eno. The First Lady passed away after a brief, undisclosed illness on September 26, 2024.
In a statement released by Akwa Ibom State’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, titled “Unexpected Sunset,” the government announced the passing of Mrs. Eno. The statement confirmed that she died peacefully in the presence of her family. “The family submits to the will of the Almighty and requests privacy during this period of grief,” the statement added.
President Tinubu, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, mourned the loss of a woman he described as humble, resilient, and deeply committed to serving Akwa Ibom State. He lauded Mrs. Eno’s initiatives, particularly the ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ which had a lasting impact on women, children, and the vulnerable.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined in expressing their sympathy. Akpabio, in a message through his Media Adviser, Eseme Eyiboh, described Mrs. Eno as a dedicated wife whose kindness would be deeply missed by many.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed his sorrow, calling the news devastating. He urged Governor Eno to remain strong, confident that his late wife now rests in eternal peace.
Political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), also shared in the mourning. The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called Mrs. Eno an “angelic personality” whose compassion and dedication to others would never be forgotten. The party ordered all flags at its national secretariat to fly at half-mast for seven days in her honor.
Several governors, including Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, highlighted Mrs. Eno’s invaluable contributions to the well-being of the people of Akwa Ibom. Obaseki commended her humanitarian efforts through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ while Abiodun, in a statement for the Southern Governors’ Forum, acknowledged her pivotal role in supporting her husband’s leadership.
The Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, also conveyed its condolences. Egbetokun praised Mrs. Eno’s legacy of compassion, offering prayers for the Governor and his family.
Further tributes poured in from various sectors, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and former NIMASA DG, Dakuku Peterside, who described Mrs. Eno as a woman of unwavering grace and dedication.
The First Lady’s death has left a profound void, with many recognizing her selfless service to the people of Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno, despite the personal tragedy, has assured the public that his commitment to the state remains steadfast. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.