- Governor Eno explained that his late wife, who was the First Lady of Akwa Ibom, lived a successful and fulfilled life, adding that her demise has left a significant void
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who is still grieving the loss of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has described the pain as something he cannot easily come to terms with.
The governor shared his grief while addressing colleagues from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) who paid him a condolence visit at the Government House in Uyo on Monday. Governor Eno explained that his late wife, who was the First Lady of Akwa Ibom, lived a successful and fulfilled life, adding that her demise has left a significant void.
“It is something that we cannot easily come to terms with. For me, when I talk to people, I tell them this is a lifetime of mourning—you mourn in stages,” he said. “It is not something you just finish mourning and it is over because as long as you live, you will keep seeing that there is a vacuum.”
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the NGF and other well-meaning Nigerians for the outpouring of support and comfort extended to his family during this difficult period. He acknowledged that the numerous condolence visits have been a source of strength, giving his family hope and encouragement.
“But the truth is, the encouragement, the comfort, and the support we have received from very well-meaning Nigerians gives us that hope, strength, and the ability to continue to look forward,” he stated.
The governor noted that the show of solidarity has crossed party lines, reflecting the impact of his wife’s death on people from diverse backgrounds. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu not only issued a public statement but also made a personal call to express his condolences.
“It is amazing how this has touched people across party lines. The other day, apart from the press release of His Excellency the President, he also made a personal call. He spent quite some time on the phone with me. So the interest people are taking gives us that comfort and encouragement and it helps us manage the pain.”
Governor Eno thanked his fellow governors for making the effort to travel to Akwa Ibom to empathize with him and his family. “To travel from one point to the other and to finally make it to Akwa Ibom is stressful. If people don’t love you, they won’t do all of that. So this is an indication of that love, and we do not take it for granted,” he added.
The late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, was married to Governor Eno for 38 years before her passing. Her death has left the state mourning and has drawn condolences from various quarters.