Akwa Ibom Governor Appoints Daughter As Acting First Lady, Dismisses Rumors Of Remarriage

Akwa Ibom Governor Appoints Daughter As Acting First Lady, Dismisses Rumors Of Remarriage Written By Oshiobugie John– Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady, following the recent passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement came during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo, the state capital, on Friday, October 4. Governor Eno explained that Helen would take over the duties of the First Lady to ensure the continuity of the office and uphold the legacy left by his late wife.

“To maintain the Office of the First Lady and continue my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to fulfill the responsibilities of the office. She will collaborate closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” Governor Eno stated.

He expressed his confidence in Helen’s ability to carry on the values and vision her late mother championed, reaffirming his dedication to sustaining the various projects initiated by the First Lady’s office.

Reflecting on his late wife, Governor Eno shared emotional memories of their lifelong bond. “I married her when she was 19, and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God, a source of comfort and succor,” he said. “We faced many challenges together, celebrating victories and enduring losses. Her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me. She embodied the biblical virtuous woman, my greatest supporter, and also my toughest critic. I will feel her absence for the rest of my life.”

In response to rumors circulating about the possibility of him remarrying, Governor Eno addressed the speculations lightheartedly during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he joked, adding, “I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”

He reiterated that the void left by his late wife is one that cannot be filled, but emphasized that her legacy would endure. “She started many impactful projects, and that’s why I introduced our daughter, Helen, to the First Lady. Helen will step in to ensure the continuation of the programs my wife began,” Governor Eno concluded.